cross-purpose

American  

[kraws-pur-puhs, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˈpɜr pəs, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

1. an opposing or contrary purpose.

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idioms

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

cross-purpose British  

noun

1. a contrary aim or purpose

2. conflicting; opposed; disagreeing

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Etymology

Origin of cross-purpose

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

If it wants to build a cross-platform, cross-purpose platform for audio and video calls, it has to get a lot of little things right.

From The Verge • Jun. 1, 2022

They interrupt, contradict, mimic, mock, carry on cross-purpose conversation.

From Time Magazine Archive

The pretty vision greeted him with the air of a privileged child of the house, interrupting only for an instant the babel of cross-purpose explanation about carriages and trains.

From The Convert by Robins, Elizabeth

Both clearly see the strange, romantic threads restraining them within coercive limits, interdicting helpful alliances while leading all at divergent angles of cross-purpose.

From Oswald Langdon or, Pierre and Paul Lanier. A Romance of 1894-1898 by Lee, Carson Jay

In all their official records there is not an instance of clash between them and the President, nor even a hint of cross-purpose or loss of good understanding.

From Charles Lewis Cocke Founder of Hollins College by Smith, William Robert Lee