go against the grain

present singular third person goes against the grain · participle present going against the grain · past went against the grain · participle past gone against the grain

1. idiomaticTo defy convention or norms; to do something in a manner that is unusual or out of the ordinary.

   His method certainly goes against the grain, but it is unquestionably effective.

   1 more example

   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

   Synonyms: run counter