cross-purpose

American  

[kraws-pur-puhs, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˈpɜr pəs, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

1. an opposing or contrary purpose.

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idioms

1. at cross-purposes, in a way that involves or produces mutual misunderstanding or frustration, usually unintentionally.

cross-purpose British  

noun

1. a contrary aim or purpose

2. conflicting; opposed; disagreeing

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Etymology

Origin of cross-purpose

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

If it wants to build a cross-platform, cross-purpose platform for audio and video calls, it has to get a lot of little things right.

From The Verge • Jun. 1, 2022

They interrupt, contradict, mimic, mock, carry on cross-purpose conversation.

From Time Magazine Archive

Both clearly see the strange, romantic threads restraining them within coercive limits, interdicting helpful alliances while leading all at divergent angles of cross-purpose.

From Oswald Langdon or, Pierre and Paul Lanier. A Romance of 1894-1898 by Lee, Carson Jay

Antipholus is also now reassured about his gold, and the earlier cross-purpose seems only a jest.

From Shakespeare Study Programs; The Comedies by Porter, Charlotte Endymion

In all their official records there is not an instance of clash between them and the President, nor even a hint of cross-purpose or loss of good understanding.

From Charles Lewis Cocke Founder of Hollins College by Smith, William Robert Lee