work with the grain of — to act in a way that is consistent with the natural tendency, character, or direction of something, rather than opposing it
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to act in a way that is consistent with the natural tendency, character, or direction of something, rather than opposing it
Pronunciation (IPA): /wɜːrk wɪð ðə ɡreɪn ʌv/
Example Sentences
- Instead of fighting his son's stubbornness, the father learned to work with the grain of his personality.
- My cat refuses to be trained normally, so I just work with the grain of her chaos and let her nap on the keyboard.
- Successful farmers work with the grain of the seasons rather than forcing crops out of their natural cycle.
work with the grain of
VERB[/wɜːrk wɪð ðə ɡreɪn ʌv/]
to act in a way that is consistent with the natural tendency, character, or direction of something, rather than opposing it
The carpenter chose to work with the grain of the oak, and the plank split cleanly.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originates from woodworking terminology. When cutting or planing wood along the direction of the grain, the work is smooth and effortless; conversely, working against the grain causes the wood to splinter and requires excessive effort. This literal physical experience was metaphorically extended to describe working in accordance with the natural character or flow of a person, organization, or situation.
Breakdown
work (to perform labor) + with (in accordance with) + the grain (direction of wood fibers; metaphorically, natural tendency) + of (possessive marker). The noun 'grain' carries both its literal woodworking sense and figurative meaning of inherent nature or direction.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Instead of fighting his son's stubbornness, the father learned to work with the grain of his personality.”
“My cat refuses to be trained normally, so I just work with the grain of her chaos and let her nap on the keyboard.”
“Successful farmers work with the grain of the seasons rather than forcing crops out of their natural cycle.”
“Trying to make an introvert host a party is like sanding against the grain — better to work with the grain and let them plan a quiet dinner instead.”
📚Related Words
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