cross-purpose en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
Attested (in the plural form) since the 1660s, originally meaning ‘contradictory intentions.’
Meanings
-
(idiomatic) A contrary or conflicting purpose or understanding, especially an unintentional or misconceived one.
We are working at cross-purposes here, if you're trying to reduce the count and I'm trying to increase it.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| cross purpose | alternative | lexicographic | |
| cross-purposes | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Deriveds
cross-purposes · at cross-purposes
Translations (3)
pl przeciwstawny zamysł (contrary purpose or understanding) · yue 南轅北轍 /南辕北辙 (contrary purpose or understanding) · fi ristiriita (contrary purpose or understanding)