at loggerheads

Related to at loggerheads: without a hitch

at loggerheads

In conflict. A "logger" is a 16th-century term for a block of wood, so a "loggerhead" is a blockhead or fool. They are at loggerheads over the best way to lead the committee.
See also: loggerhead
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

at loggerheads (with someone)

 and at loggerheads over something
Fig. in conflict with someone; having reached an impasse (about something). Tom is at loggerheads with Bill. We are at loggerheads with each other. The twins were at loggerheads over who should take the larger room.
See also: loggerhead
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

at loggerheads

Engaged in a quarrel or dispute, as in The two families were always at loggerheads, making it difficult to celebrate holidays together . This term may have come from some earlier meaning of loggerhead, referring either to a blockhead or stupid person, or to a long-handled iron poker with a bulb-shaped end that was heated in the fire and used to melt pitch. If it was the latter, it may have been alluded to as a weapon. [Late 1600s] For a synonym, see at odds.
See also: loggerhead
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

at loggerheads

COMMON If one person or group is at loggerheads with another, they strongly disagree about something. Social workers and doctors are at loggerheads over how well the new system will work. Trevor and his ex-wife Becky ended up at loggerheads — this time having a shouting match on the doorstep. Note: In medieval times, loggerheads were implements with long handles and a round bowl on one end. In battles, the bowl was filled with hot tar, and then thrown at the enemy.
See also: loggerhead
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

at loggerheads

in violent dispute or disagreement.
This expression is possibly a use of loggerhead in the late 17th-century sense of ‘a long-handled iron instrument for heating liquids and tar’; the tool was perhaps also used as a weapon.
See also: loggerhead
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

at ˈloggerheads (with somebody) (over something)

disagreeing or arguing very strongly (with somebody): The students are at loggerheads with the college over the price of food in the cafeteria. Management and staff are at loggerheads over the plan.In the past, a loggerhead was a long iron instrument which may have been used as a weapon.
See also: loggerhead
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

at loggerheads

Engaged in a dispute: The question of car privileges put Sam and his parents at loggerheads.
See also: loggerhead
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • at loggerheads, to be
  • be at loggerheads
  • loggerhead
  • at loggerheads with (someone)
  • at loggerheads over (something)
  • fool
  • blockhead
  • every fool thing
  • shame
  • be on in years
References in periodicals archive
Samhain re-enactment group do battle at Loggerheads Country Park
WALES: Knights re-enact battle
In conjunction with National Archaeology Week, Denbighshire Countryside Services at Loggerheads are holding a weekend devoted to living history, with historical reenactment group Samhain.
WALES: Authentic Welsh history
It has been described as "interactive, vibrant and fun and aimed at people of all ages, especially families." The staff at Loggerheads Country Park also provide a wide range of events and activities.
Walkers - and their dogs - enjoy a day out at Loggerheads Country Park (above), as did Paul and Diane Williams and their children James and Rachel (right) Main picture: STACEY ROBERTS SR120608LOGGERHEADS-2
Adventures for all in countryside beauty; The Williams family find themselves at Loggerheads days out
Moira Young, Denbighshire's county ecologist, said: "The woodlands at Loggerheads provide important feeding areas and roost sites for a variety of bat species, such as the less common Noctule bat, and this method of working will ensure there is minimal potential disturbance to these animals.
WALES: Unsafe trees need felling
They are being encouraged to sell their produce at Loggerheads Garage, alongside the Mold-Ruthin road, which incorporates a Spar shop.
Local producers who are selling their wares at Loggerheads garage shop
Going local the key to battling supermarkets; FARM & COUNTRY
STUDENTS of Coleg Llysfasi in Ruthin are helping butterflies to flourish on a rare type of grassland at Loggerheads Country Park near Mold.
WALES: Groundwork by students on grassland
Yesterday they were giving demonstrations and talks at Loggerheads Country Park near Mold, marking National Archaeology Week, which runs from July 15 to 23.
WALES: No mercy shown by Viking warriors at Loggerheads
Wrexham council provides dog bags and bins at Loggerheads, which is one of the best kept secrets of North Wales, says the award for the Denbighshire park.
Where dogs are welcome for a walk in the park
LOGGERHEADS For National Archaeology Weekend at Loggerheads Country Park on July 17-18, the Silures, an Iron Age and Celtic re-enactment group, will set up camp and people can try their hand at ancient Celtic crafts and see the warriors in battle.
In brief