at cross purposes Idiom
at cross purposes
have opposite ways to do something, opposing goals They are at cross purposes and are always arguing about what to do.
talk at cross purposes
when two people don't understand each other because they are talking about two different things (but don't realise it): "We're talking at cross purposes here."
at cross purposes|cross purposes|purpose|purposes
adv. phr. With opposing meanings or aims; with opposing effect or result; with aims which hinder or get in each other's way.
Tom's parents acted at cross purposes in advising him; his father wanted him to become a doctor; but his mother wanted him to become a minister.at cantankerous purposes
In battle with or in action to. You will never acquisition success if you abide to assignment at cantankerous purposes with your teammates.Learn more: cross, purposeat cross-purposes
with opposing viewpoints; with goals that baffle with anniversary other. We are arguing at cross-purposes. We aren't alike discussing the aforementioned thing. Bill and Tom are alive at cross-purposes. They'll never get the job done right. at cross-purposes
Pursuing adverse or adverse goals, usually unintentionally: We're alive at cross-purposes.