What does “At cross purposes” mean?
"At cross purposes" means when people or groups are working towards different goals or with different intentions.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The team members were at cross purposes and couldn't agree on a strategy.
Example
The two politicians seemed to be at cross purposes during the debate.
Example
The couple's relationship was strained because they were constantly at cross purposes
Is “At cross purposes” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“At cross purposes” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “At cross purposes” effectively in context?
You can use "At cross purposes" to describe a situation where people or groups are working towards different goals or with different intentions. It implies a lack of coordination or communication, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts. For example, if two colleagues are working on the same project but have different ideas about how to approach it, you might say, 'They're at cross purposes and can't agree on a strategy.'
- 1Teamwork
The team members were at cross purposes and couldn't agree on a strategy.
- 2Debate
The two politicians seemed to be at cross purposes during the debate.
- 3Relationships
The couple's relationship was strained because they were constantly at cross purposes.
Similar phrases to “At cross purposes”:
A failure to communicate effectively or understand each other's intentions
Example
Their miscommunication led to a series of misunderstandings.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “At cross purposes” come from?
The origin of the phrase "At cross purposes" is unknown.
Is “At cross purposes” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "At cross purposes" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where there is a lack of understanding or agreement between people or groups.
What tone does “At cross purposes” have?
"At cross purposes" conveys a tone of confusion or frustration. It suggests a lack of coordination or alignment, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts.
Can “At cross purposes” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "At cross purposes" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a common situation in various contexts. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, presentations, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The team members were at cross purposes and couldn't agree on a strategy.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'We're at cross purposes!' to imply a lack of understanding or agreement.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- at odds
- not on the same page
- out of sync
- divergent goals
- conflicting intentions
Antonyms
- aligned
- on the same wavelength
- coordinated
- in agreement
- in sync
