à rebrousse-poil

French

Etymology

From rebrousser +‎ poil.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /a ʁə.bʁus.pwal/

• Audio:

  (file)

Adverb

à rebrousse-poil

1. (figuratively) the wrong way, against the grain

Usage notes

For a similar image in English, compare ruffle some feathers.

See also

• caresser dans le sens du poil