Looking for synonyms for going against the grain? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say going against the grain.
- Bucking the trend
- Defying convention
- Swimming against the tide
- Breaking the mold
- Challenging the status quo
- Nonconformity
- Zigging when others zag
- Marching to the beat of a different drum
- Taking the road less traveled
- Upsetting the apple cart
- Playing devil’s advocate
- Paving a new path
- Rebelling against norms
- Going off the beaten path
- Trailblazing
Want to learn how to say going against the grain professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Bucking the Trend
Appropriate Use: Used when someone is acting in a way that is contrary to the general course or prevailing standards.
Example: “Our company is bucking the trend by focusing on quality over quantity.”
2. Defying Convention
Appropriate Use: Suitable for situations where standard norms or expectations are being challenged.
Example: “She is defying convention in the industry by adopting unconventional marketing strategies.”
3. Swimming Against the Tide
Appropriate Use: Used when someone is going against the dominant direction of opinion or practice.
Example: “By insisting on ethical production, he is swimming against the tide in this competitive market.”
4. Breaking the Mold
Appropriate Use: Applicable when doing something in a unique or innovative way that differs from the norm.
Example: “Their new product design is breaking the mold in the technology sector.”
5. Challenging the Status Quo
Appropriate Use: Ideal for situations where existing conditions or ways of doing things are being questioned.
Example: “Our research team is challenging the status quo with their groundbreaking studies.”
6. Nonconformity
Appropriate Use: Used to describe actions or attitudes that do not conform to prevailing norms or standards.
Example: “Her approach to project management is a clear example of nonconformity.”
7. Zigging When Others Zag
Appropriate Use: Suitable for describing a strategy or decision that goes against the common trends.
Example: “In our investment approach, we focus on zigging when others zag.”
8. Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum
Appropriate Use: Used when someone acts in a markedly different way from the majority.
Example: “He is known for marching to the beat of a different drum with his innovative leadership style.”
9. Taking the Road Less Traveled
Appropriate Use: Applicable in contexts where less conventional or popular paths are chosen.
Example: “In her career, she has always taken the road less traveled, opting for challenging yet rewarding roles.”
10. Upsetting the Apple Cart
Appropriate Use: Used when actions or decisions disrupt or challenge the existing order or system.
Example: “The new policy is likely to upset the apple cart in the traditional banking sector.”
11. Playing Devil’s Advocate
Appropriate Use: Suitable for situations where someone adopts a contrary position for the sake of argument or to explore different perspectives.
Example: “During our strategy meetings, I often play devil’s advocate to ensure we consider all angles.”
12. Paving a New Path
Appropriate Use: Used when creating a new way or method that has not been done before.
Example: “By integrating AI into our processes, we are paving a new path in customer service.”
13. Rebelling Against Norms
Appropriate Use: Applicable in situations where there is active resistance or defiance against standard practices.
Example: “Their approach to remote working is seen as rebelling against the norms of the corporate world.”
14. Going Off the Beaten Path
Appropriate Use: Used to describe a course of action that is unconventional or not commonly chosen.
Example: “In our product development, we are going off the beaten path to find unique solutions.”
15. Trailblazing
Appropriate Use: Ideal for situations where innovative or pioneering work is being done.
Example: “As a company, we are trailblazing in renewable energy technologies.”
