buck the trend

USAGE SUMMARY

"buck the trend" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to go against a pre-existing trend or do something different than what is popular or expected. For example, "Many companies are outsourcing jobs, but our company is bucking the trend and focusing on hiring local talent".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Can Voice buck the trend?

The Guardian - Tech

Can Lefty buck the trend?

The Guardian - Sport

Can Grabble buck the trend?

The Guardian - Tech

Advocaat may buck the trend.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet Britain seems to buck the trend.

The Economist

Some niche chains managed, however, to buck the trend.

The New York Times

It's time to buck the trend and move out.

The Guardian

But making programmes that buck the trend is not easy.

The Guardian

Yet occasionally somebody manages to buck the trend.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, this year's Apprentice might buck the trend.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Maybe this new show will buck the trend.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "buck the trend" when you want to emphasize a deviation from what is generally happening or expected. It adds a layer of defiance or uniqueness to the action.

Common error

Avoid using "buck the trend" when simply describing a minor variation. The phrase implies a significant and noticeable departure from a widespread pattern, not a subtle difference.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "buck the trend" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of opposing or resisting a common pattern. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. The examples show it used to describe businesses, individuals, or even countries that deviate from expected behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "buck the trend" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe actions that oppose a prevailing pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Analysis reveals its widespread use in news, business, and sports contexts, signifying a deviation from the norm. While alternatives exist, such as "defy the norm" or "go against the grain", "buck the trend" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication settings. Understanding its nuances ensures its appropriate application, emphasizing significant departures rather than minor variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go against the grain

Similar to "buck the trend", this implies acting contrary to the natural inclination or prevailing sentiment.

diverge from the mainstream

This implies moving away from the dominant or popular path.

swim against the tide

This phrase evokes the image of actively resisting a powerful current, suggesting a difficult but determined effort.

defy the norm

This alternative suggests a more direct and intentional opposition to what is considered standard or typical.

challenge the status quo

This alternative focuses on questioning and potentially changing existing conditions or practices.

march to the beat of a different drum

This idiom implies having a unique perspective and acting in accordance with it, regardless of what others do.

break the mold

This suggests creating something entirely new and different, rather than simply opposing an existing trend.

rebel against convention

This implies a deliberate and often forceful rejection of established customs or norms.

stand out from the crowd

This suggests being noticeably different or exceptional compared to others.

go your own way

This suggests independence and a refusal to conform to external pressures.

FAQs

What does it mean to "buck the trend"?

To "buck the trend" means to go against the prevailing direction or pattern of behavior, performance, or opinion. It suggests a deviation from what is commonly observed or expected.

How can I use "buck the trend" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where something or someone is acting differently from the norm. For example, "Despite the overall decline in sales, our company managed to "buck the trend" and increase profits."

What are some alternatives to "buck the trend"?

Alternatives include "defy the norm", "go against the grain", or "swim against the tide". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "buck the trend" formal or informal?

"Buck the trend" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, business reports, and everyday conversations.