cross-purpose
[ kraws-pur-puh s, kros- ]
/ ˈkrɔsˈpɜr pəs, ˈkrɒs- /
noun
an opposing or contrary purpose.
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Idioms for cross-purpose
at cross-purposes, in a way that involves or produces mutual misunderstanding or frustration, usually unintentionally.
Origin of cross-purpose
First recorded in 1660–70
Words nearby cross-purpose
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for cross-purpose
If we find every fact of life at cross-purpose with Scripture, what then?
The Call of the Town|John Alexander HammertonIt seems someway unlike God to make each person a something all of cross-purpose.
I, Mary MacLane|Mary MacLaneI am not prone on my green couch, frayed, frazzled, bowed-down in spirit from a day of frightful stress and cross-purpose.
I, Mary MacLane|Mary MacLane
British Dictionary definitions for cross-purpose
cross-purpose
noun
a contrary aim or purpose
at cross-purposes conflicting; opposed; disagreeing
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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