cross-purpose

[kraws-pur-puhs, kros-]

noun

1. an opposing or contrary purpose.

cross-purpose

noun

1. a contrary aim or purpose

2. conflicting; opposed; disagreeing

Word History and Origins

Origin of cross-purpose¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at cross-purposes, in a way that involves or produces mutual misunderstanding or frustration, usually unintentionally.

Example Sentences

Rather, he says, there are “huge responsibilities, particularly when you’re dealing with the traumatized,” that are at cross-purposes with the conventions of narrative TV.

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While the two political heavyweights have already worked at cross-purposes, Pritzker's omission further underscored a frustration by party leaders in Washington who Democrats across the ideological spectrum have criticized variously as feckless, uninspiring and cowardly.

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He then talked about the last several decades watching from the front line as the nation’s contradictory, cross-purposes approach to immigration haphazardly played out.

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But this new “American Idiot” seems at cross-purposes with itself.

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Israel’s vow to resume the war is at cross-purposes with Arab countries who negotiated the hostage release and want the temporary truce to evolve into a more lasting cease-fire.

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