At cross purposes

Meaning

"At cross purposes" is an idiom that means two or more things are happening or being done in a way that opposes each other or leads to confusion and conflict. The phrase comes from the literal meaning of having one's actions or goals at odds with those of another person or group, as if their paths were "crossing."

Usage

• The two departments were at cross purposes, with each trying to cut the other's budget.
• When her sister brought up her old grudge, their conversation was suddenly at cross purposes.
• The new CEO's vision for the company clashed with the interests of the board, putting them at cross purposes.
• The political parties had been at cross purposes for years, never able to agree on a comprehensive plan.
• After the merger, the two companies found themselves at cross purposes when it came to marketing strategies.

Roots and History

The idiom "at cross purposes" has its roots in the phrase "crossed paths." This expression first appeared in the 16th century and referred to situations where two people or things met unexpectedly or coincidentally. Over time, the meaning of the phrase evolved to include cases where the encounter was not entirely pleasant or productive. In the early 20th century, the idiom "at cross purposes" emerged as a more concise and direct way to describe situations in which two opposing forces or goals were at play. It quickly became popular and has since remained a common expression used to describe conflicts and misunderstandings.

Synonyms in English

• At odds with each other
• Opposite ends of the spectrum
• In conflict with
• At loggerheads
• At variance with

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "ennemis" (enemies)
• German: "gegenüberstehen" (standing opposite to each other)
• Spanish: "contraíba" (crosswise)
• Italian: "inversi" (opposite)
• Portuguese: "em contraponto" (in counterpoint)

Similar Idioms

• alter ego

• know which side one’s bread is buttered

• come to grief