at odds

Idioms  

1. In disagreement, opposed. For example, It is only natural for the young and old to be at odds over money matters. This idiom uses odds in the sense of “a condition of being unequal or different,” and transfers it to a difference of opinion, or quarrel. [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

Still, hundreds of families sat out under mild, cloudy skies, picnicking amid sweeping views of the snow-capped Alborz mountains -- a postcard scene at odds with a city under regular attack.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

That optimism puts Fed officials somewhat at odds with a string of gloomy economic signals.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

While the actors, particularly Reinhart and Pedretti, are locked in with the tone and Reinhart delivers the fierceness required of such a role, the pace of “Forbidden Fruits” is at odds with the performers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

The pessimism has reached extreme levels, according to Thill, who sees the negativity at odds with “leading indicators” such as increasing data-center capacity and strength in the retail business.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

He had drawn the red cotton curtains against the bright, cloudy sky, which gave the room a fiery glow at odds with the rest of the airy, light cottage.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

• awkward
• erroneous
• false
• ill-advised
• imprudent
• inaccurate
• inadmissible
• inappropriate
• incorrect
• irregular
• unwarranted
• wrong