against the grain

世間の流れに逆らって、常識に反して

人々が普段することや期待することに反する形で。

やさしい英語で： 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.

類義語： against convention, against the tide

よく使う表現： go against the grain, swim against the grain

木目に逆らって

木目に逆らう方向。切ったり削ったりすると表面が荒れやすい。

やさしい英語で： 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.

類義語： across the grain

反対語： with the grain

よく使う表現： cut against the grain, plane against the grain, sand against the grain

性に合わず、不本意に

自分の性格や望みに反するため、嫌だったり違和感があったりすること。

やさしい英語で： 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.

使い方： go against the grain with someone (Accepting help went against the grain with him.)

類義語： against your nature, reluctantly

よく使う表現： go against the grain, against the grain emotionally

繊維に逆らって、毛の流れに逆らって

繊維や毛の自然な流れに対して、横切る方向や逆方向に。

やさしい英語で： 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.

反対語： with the grain

よく使う表現： slice against the grain, shave against the grain