run counter to (someone or something)
To oppose, contravene, or work against someone or something. The former CEO's actions run counter to everything this company stands for. The governor's newest policy seems to be running counter to everything he promised during his election campaign.
run counter to something
to be in opposition to something; to run against something. (This has nothing to do with running.) Your proposal runs counter to what is required by the manager. His idea runs counter to good sense.
run counter to
Be in conflict with, oppose, as in Practice often runs counter to theory. This idiom, first recorded in 1843, uses counter in the sense of "in an opposite direction."
run counter to
be or develop in conflict with.