cross-purpose

American

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

noun

an opposing or contrary purpose.

idioms

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

cross-purpose British

noun

a contrary aim or purpose
conflicting; opposed; disagreeing

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cross-purpose

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But instead Andrew remained part of the Royal Family, appearing at national events, at cross-purposes to the worthier efforts of his elder brother.

From BBC

“Hitchcock & Herrmann” is a painstakingly detailed history of two geniuses working first together and then at cross-purposes.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023