The Village Idiom

fly in the face of

An idiom that means to go against or defy something, often in a defiant or bold manner.

Filed under F

In a sentence

  • Her decision to drop out of college and pursue her passion for photography flies in the face of her parents' expectation for her to become a doctor.
  • The company's decision to ignore safety regulations and prioritize profit flies in the face of their commitment to customer well-being.
  • The politician's proposal to increase taxes on the middle class flies in the face of their promises to reduce the financial burden on working families.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "against the grain" is closely related to "fly in the face of." It shares a similar meaning, as both idioms convey the concept of opposing or going against the widely accepted norm. However, "against the grain" specifically implies resistance or rebellion against established customs, traditions, or conventions. While "fly in the face of" can be applied to a broader range of contexts, "against the grain" is often used to describe actions that challenge societal expectations or norms.

An example of the usage of "against the grain" can be found in the realm of art and creativity. Artists who choose to explore unconventional techniques or subject matters, deviating from mainstream trends, can be said to be going against the grain. They defy expectations and create their own unique path, challenging the established norms and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

An example of the usage of "buck the trend" can be seen in the business world. Companies or entrepreneurs that choose to innovate and take risks, even when it goes against the prevailing industry practices, may be said to be bucking the trend. They are willing to go against the grain and challenge established ways of doing business, often leading to success and groundbreaking achievements.

The idioms "against the grain" and "buck the trend" are closely related to "fly in the face of" as they all capture the essence of defiance, opposition, and nonconformity. While "fly in the face of" emphasizes the direct confrontation with widely accepted beliefs or expectations, "against the grain" and "buck the trend" focus on the resistance against established customs or prevailing trends. These idioms serve to highlight acts of rebellion, individuality, and the courage to go against popular opinion.

The idiom "fly in the face of" is commonly used to describe acts of defiance or opposition that directly contradict widely accepted beliefs, expectations, or conventions. Its origins in falconry emphasize the concept of direct confrontation and rebellion against established norms. This idiom is closely related to the idioms "against the grain" and "buck the trend," which share similar meanings and highlight acts of nonconformity and rebellion. Together, these idioms serve as vivid expressions of defiance, courage, and the willingness to challenge established ideas and norms.

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