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

In the drama both these significations coincide, for the cunning of the one becomes a cross-purpose for the other.

From Lectures on Dramatic Art and Literature by Black, John

The apparent cross-purpose of the despatches is explained by the difficulty of communication between headquarters and the Sixth Corps.

From The Campaign of Chancellorsville by Dodge, Theodore Ayrault