against the grain

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

• phrase woodworking Preventing a smooth, level surface from being formed by raising the nap of the wood or causing larger splinters to form ahead of the cutting tool below the cutting surface.
• phrase idiomatic Contrary to what is expected; especially, of behavior different from what society expects.
• phrase idiomatic Unwillingly, reluctantly; contrary to one's nature.