if something that you say or do goes against the grain, you do not like saying or doing it and it is not what you would usually say or do.

It goes against the grain for William to admit that he's wrong.

I don't think she likes to praise men. It goes against the grain.

• cut the ground from under someone feet
• cut the ground from under someone's feet
• cut the umbilical cord
• cut things fine
• cut through
• cut through like a hot knife through butter
• cut through like a knife through butter
• cut through something
• cut through something like a hot knife through butter
• cut through something like a knife through butter
• cut to the chase
• cut to the quick
• cut two ways
• cut up rough
• cut your coat according to cloth
• cut your coat according to your cloth
• cut your losses
• cut your own throat
• cut your teeth
• cut your teeth in
• cut your teeth in something
• damned if do and damned if don't
• damned if do and damned if you don't
• damned if you do and damned if don't
• damned if you do and damned if you don't