What does “At the crossroads” mean?
"At the crossroads" means being at a point where a decision or choice needs to be made.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I find myself at the crossroads of my career, unsure of which path to take.
Example
Our relationship is at the crossroads, and we need to decide if we want to stay together or go our separate ways.
Example
The company is at the crossroads of a major restructuring, and the CEO must make some tough decisions
Is “At the crossroads” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“At the crossroads” 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 the crossroads” effectively in context?
You can use "At the crossroads" to describe a situation where a decision or choice needs to be made. It emphasizes the need for careful consideration and the potential for significant change. For example, if a friend is unsure about which college to attend, you might say, 'You're "at the crossroads" of your education, so take your time and weigh your options.'
- 1Career
I find myself at the crossroads of my career, unsure of which path to take.
- 2Relationship
Our relationship is at the crossroads, and we need to decide if we want to stay together or go our separate ways.
- 3Business
The company is at the crossroads of a major restructuring, and the CEO must make some tough decisions.
Similar phrases to “At the crossroads”:
At a crossroads
At a point where a decision or choice needs to be made
Example
He realized he was at a crossroads in his life and needed to make some changes.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “At the crossroads” come from?
The origin of the phrase "At the crossroads" is unknown.
Is “At the crossroads” common in everyday conversation?
"At the crossroads" is a relatively common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where important decisions need to be made or when significant changes are imminent.
What tone does “At the crossroads” have?
"At the crossroads" conveys a tone of uncertainty and the need for careful consideration. It suggests that the decision or choice at hand is significant and may have long-term consequences.
Can “At the crossroads” be used in informal and formal settings?
"At the crossroads" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as personal conversations, professional discussions, or written communication.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
"At the crossroads" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'We are "at the crossroads" and need to make a decision.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "at the crossroads"' to imply being in a situation where a decision needs to be made.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- facing a decision
- in a dilemma
- at a critical juncture
- on the brink of a choice
- in a quandary
Antonyms
- clear path
- straightforward decision
- no choice
- obvious direction
