go against the grain
US /ɡoʊ əˈɡɛnst ðə ɡreɪn/
UK /ɡoʊ əˈɡɛnst ðə ɡreɪn/

1.
ir contra a corrente, ir contra a natureza
to be contrary to one's natural inclination or to generally accepted norms or practices
:
•
It really goes against the grain for him to ask for help, as he's always been so independent.
Realmente vai contra a sua natureza pedir ajuda, pois ele sempre foi tão independente.
•
Her decision to pursue art went against the grain of her family's expectations for her to become a doctor.
A decisão dela de seguir a arte foi contra as expectativas da família de que ela se tornasse médica.