against the grain

à contre-courant

D’une façon différente de ce que les gens font ou attendent habituellement.

En anglais simple : 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.

Synonymes : against convention, against the tide

Expressions courantes : go against the grain, swim against the grain

à contre-fil

Dans le sens contraire aux fibres du bois, ce qui peut rendre sa surface rugueuse au travail.

En anglais simple : 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.

Synonymes : across the grain

Contraires : with the grain

Expressions courantes : cut against the grain, plane against the grain, sand against the grain

à contrecœur, contre sa nature

D’une façon qui met mal à l’aise parce qu’elle va contre son caractère ou ses souhaits.

En anglais simple : 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.

Comment l'utiliser : go against the grain with someone (Accepting help went against the grain with him.)

Synonymes : against your nature, reluctantly

Expressions courantes : go against the grain, against the grain emotionally

à contre-sens du poil, perpendiculairement aux fibres

En travers des fibres ou dans le sens contraire aux fibres ou aux poils.

En anglais simple : 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.

Contraires : with the grain

Expressions courantes : slice against the grain, shave against the grain