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Where Did the Phrase “On the Level” Come From and What Does the Expression “Against the Grain” Mean?

By Karen Hill

Both “going against the grain” and being “on the level” are expressions from carpentry.

When a bladed instrument is used to smooth a wooden surface it only works when applied with, or in the same direction as, the grain, otherwise it’s a mess.

A level ensures the precision of a frame alignment.

Someone that is going against the grain is usually doing things wrong, and so is probably not as trustworthy as someone on the level.

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Filed Under: Language

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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