Quite Contrary: Going Long in Mid-Cap Stocks

Abstract

The phrase “against the grain” first came into use in 1607 when William Shakespeare included it in the play Coriolanus. Although it is generally accepted that the phrase derives from attempting to plane wood against the grain, causing it to fray rather than lie flat, there is actually no concrete origin story for the expression. Google “against the grain” today and you are just as likely to get barraged with gluten-free diatribes as to discover the source of this contrarian catchphrase.