against the grain

a contracorriente

De una manera distinta de lo que la gente suele hacer o esperar.

En inglés sencillo: 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.

Sinónimos: against convention, against the tide

Expresiones frecuentes: go against the grain, swim against the grain

a contrapelo, contra la veta

En dirección contraria a la veta de la madera; al cortar o alisar así, la superficie puede quedar áspera.

En inglés sencillo: 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.

Sinónimos: across the grain

Antónimos: with the grain

Expresiones frecuentes: cut against the grain, plane against the grain, sand against the grain

a disgusto, contra la propia naturaleza

De una manera que te incomoda porque va contra tu carácter o tus deseos.

En inglés sencillo: 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.

Cómo se usa: go against the grain with someone (Accepting help went against the grain with him.)

Sinónimos: against your nature, reluctantly

Expresiones frecuentes: go against the grain, against the grain emotionally

a contrapelo, contra la fibra

En dirección transversal o contraria al sentido natural de las fibras o del pelo.

En inglés sencillo: 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.

Antónimos: with the grain

Expresiones frecuentes: slice against the grain, shave against the grain