What does against the mean as an idiom?

"Against the" is not a complete idiom on its own. It often appears as part of a larger idiom or phrase, and the meaning depends on the specific words that follow it. Here are some common examples:

Against the odds: This means to succeed despite facing many difficulties or unfavorable circumstances.

Against the grain: This means to go against what is usual or expected, or to act in a way that is contrary to one's natural inclinations.

Against the clock: This means to work or do something very quickly, often under pressure to meet a deadline.

Against the law: This means to do something that is illegal.

Against the backdrop of: This means to happen or be considered in relation to a larger situation or context.

Against all reason: This means to do something that is illogical or makes no sense.

Against the tide: This means to go against the prevailing opinion or trend.

To understand the meaning of "against the" in a specific context, you need to look at the rest of the phrase.