(entered for 12.28.05)

Meaning: do something opposite to the established or accepted way. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: row against the tide
Rewrite 2: steer against the curve
Rewrite 3: walk against the flow
Rewrite 4: talk over the conversation

Comment: Think of going against something that everyone does automatically, like walking up the downstairs or driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Great Movie Clichés: 'Auteur Movie Clichés'. “'Broadway Movie Musical Clichés'. 'Television Drama Cliches'”