cross purpose

Related to cross purpose: cross off, come in handy, cross paths

cross purpose

A goal or purpose that conflicts with someone else's. Often used in the phrase "at cross purposes." It sounds like you two are at cross purposes right now, so take a few minutes and reach an agreement about what you hope to achieve.
See also: cross, purpose
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • at cross purposes
  • at cross-purposes
  • purpose
  • be at cross purposes
  • be/talk at cross purposes
  • cross up
  • cross up someone
  • divide
  • cross the Great Divide
  • cross the big pond
References in periodicals archive
Socks PS11.95, boxers PS24.95, happysocks.com AT CROSS PURPOSE ALDI is launching a new cross-training range of equipment and clothing.
Mr Rabbani was of the opinion that such restraint as mentioned in the judgement authored by the chief justice himself needed to be exhibited by high courts, lower courts and judicial and quasi-judicial tribunals functioning under the Constitution or any other law for the time being in force as the judiciary and parliament were not at the cross purpose and the aim of both was to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.
Cross purpose: Philippine experts offer advice on carrying out "safe" crucifixions for Easter fanatics
CROSS PURPOSE THE Cross is back in the news this week.
'The judgment being authored by the CJP himself, such restraint needs to be exhibited by the other high courts, courts, judicial and quasi-judicial tribunals functioning under the Constitution or any other law for the time being in force as the Judiciary and Parliament are not at the cross purpose, the aim of both is to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution,' he said.
CROSS PURPOSE: Yves Rossy, inset, was pleased but his flight left me cold MAINPIC: AFP/GETTY IMAGES
CROSS PURPOSE: Children from St Mathew's RC primary school in Clubmoor practise road safety techniques with the assistance of community engagement officer Frank Vaudrey and head teacher Veronica McDonnell Picture: COLIN LANE
CROSS PURPOSE: Crossmaglen's Aaron Kernan; CLUB TIE: John Doyle
CROSS PURPOSE: Car approaches the railway line in full view of train; SIGNAL FAILURE: Driver slams on the brakes but it's too late to stop; TRACK AND RUIN: Wrecked car after collision with the train
However, the implications of working at cross purposes by the various security agencies caused the presidency to direct that all the operations be collapsed into the coming Operation Octopus.
With multiple civic agencies working independently, and often at cross purposes, the mega city reflects a chaos of gargantuan proportions.
Summary: New format Davis Cup, ATP Cup may work at cross purposes
Fed's Bullard doesn't want to be shrinking the balance sheet and cutting rates at the same time, having the two policy tools working in cross purposes. There's been only a minor impact from the balance sheet unwind.
class="MsoNormalMs Mohamed and Teachers Service Commission chief executive Nancy Macharia have been working at cross purposes on the issue, with the commission insisting that it is mandated to decide the entry grade.
Matiang'i said the move was not constitutional but political and transitional adding the commissions work at cross purposes most of the time.