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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

go against the grain en · VERB

Pronunciation

Meanings

  1. (idiomatic) To defy convention or norms; to do something in a manner that is unusual or out of the ordinary.
    • Blondes do have more fun, Mrs. [Kelly] Rowland!! Go against the grain this fall and opt for a fully opaque, bright-as-hell platinum dye job. Although it’s unexpected for a season filled with dark colors, the cool undertones are a masterful way to manipulate your way into a fall ’do while going lighter. 2024 September 5, Beth Gillette, “24 Fall Hair Colors Every Celebrity Is Asking for Rn”, in Cosmopolitan:
    • His method certainly goes against the grain, but it is unquestionably effective.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
goes against the grain Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic
gone against the grain Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
went against the grain Tense=Past lexicographic
going against the grain Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic

Relateds

against the grain

Synonyms

run counter

Translations (6)

pt ir contra a corrente OR nadar contra a maré (to defy convention) · cmn 顛覆傳統 /颠覆传统 (to defy convention) · es ir/andar a contracorriente (to defy convention) · es ir/andar a contramano (to defy convention) · pl iść pod prąd (to defy convention) · fi olla epätavallinen (to defy convention)