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