against the grain

gegen den Strom

Anders, als Menschen es üblicherweise tun oder erwarten.

In einfachem Englisch: In a way that differs from what people usually do or expect.

• Her choice went against the grain.
• He went against the grain by refusing to compete.
• Their unusual approach runs against the grain in this industry.

Synonyme: against convention, against the tide

Häufige Wendungen: go against the grain, swim against the grain

gegen die Maserung

Quer zur Richtung der Holzfasern; beim Schneiden oder Glätten kann dadurch eine raue Oberfläche entstehen.

In einfachem Englisch: Across the direction of the lines in wood, often making its surface rough when you cut or smooth it.

• Do not plane against the grain.
• Cutting against the grain left the board rough.
• She accidentally sanded against the grain and scratched the wood.

Synonyme: across the grain

Gegenteile: with the grain

Häufige Wendungen: cut against the grain, plane against the grain, sand against the grain

gegen die eigene Natur, widerwillig

So, dass es sich falsch oder unangenehm anfühlt, weil es dem eigenen Wesen oder den eigenen Wünschen widerspricht.

In einfachem Englisch: In a way that feels wrong or uncomfortable because it conflicts with your usual character or wishes.

• Lying goes against the grain with me.
• Asking for money went against the grain with her.
• It goes against the grain to praise work I dislike.

So benutzt man es: go against the grain with someone (Accepting help went against the grain with him.)

Synonyme: against your nature, reluctantly

Häufige Wendungen: go against the grain, against the grain emotionally

gegen den Strich, quer zur Faser

Quer oder entgegengesetzt zur natürlichen Richtung von Fasern oder Haaren.

In einfachem Englisch: Across or opposite to the natural direction of fibers or hairs.

• Slice the beef against the grain.
• He shaved against the grain and irritated his skin.
• Cutting meat against the grain makes it easier to chew.

Gegenteile: with the grain

Häufige Wendungen: slice against the grain, shave against the grain