Where did the saying go against the grain come from?

The phrase "go against the grain" originates from woodworking, where the grain of the wood refers to the direction of its fibers. When working with wood, cutting against the grain can lead to rough edges and splintering, while cutting with the grain yields a smoother finish. Over time, this metaphor extended to describe actions or attitudes that oppose the natural tendencies or expectations in various contexts, such as behavior, opinions, or societal norms.