What does to talk at cross purposes mean?
Definition of at cross-purposes : in a way that causes confusion or failure because people are working or talking with different goals or purposes We’ll never succeed together if we continue to work at cross-purposes (with each other). It became clear that they were talking at cross-purposes.
What is the meaning of the idiom cross?
Cross, ill-natured, peevish, sullen refer to being in a bad mood or ill temper. Cross means temporarily in an irritable or fretful state, and somewhat angry: He gave her a cross reply and walked out of the room.
Can you give an example of when you were talking at cross purposes?
For example I was talking to Kyle about Georgia, but we were at cross-purposes. I was talking about Georgia in Russia, and he was talking about Georgia in the U.S.A. We laughed when we realised we were talking about two different “Georgias”. Jill and I were at cross-purposes today when we were talking about John.
What is the meaning of idiom at large?
phrase. If you say that a dangerous person, thing, or animal is at large, you mean that they have not been captured or made safe. The man who tried to have her killed is still at large. Synonyms: free, roaming, on the run, fugitive More Synonyms of at large.
What is the meaning of the idiom at daggers drawn?
About to or ready to fight, as in Are Felix and Oscar still at daggers drawn over the rent? Although daggers today are rarely if ever used to avenge an insult or issue a challenge to a duel, this idiom remains current.
Were at a crossroads meaning?
Also, at a crossroads. At a point of decision or a critical juncture, as in Because of the proposed merger, the company is standing at the crossroads. This phrase, based on the importance accorded to the intersection of two roads since ancient times, has also been used figuratively just about as long.
What is the meaning of the idiomatic expression to cross the Rubicon?
To make an irrevocable decision
To make an irrevocable decision; it comes from the name of the river Julius Caesar crossed with his army, thereby starting a civil war in Rome. (See Rubicon.)
How do you use cross purposes?
1, I think we’re talking at cross-purposes. 2, The two friends find themselves at cross-purposes with the officials. 3, He is always at cross-purposes with others. 4, They were talking at cross-purposes.
What is the meaning of the idiom ill at ease?
not feeling easy
Definition of ill at ease : not feeling easy : uncomfortable.
What is the meaning of idiom at sea?
Perplexed, bewildered, as in She was all at sea in these new surroundings. This idiom transfers the condition of a vessel that has lost its bearings to the human mind.
What is the meaning of the idiom at a loose end?
not knowing what to do
Definition of at a loose end : not knowing what to do : not having anything in particular to do With everyone on vacation she was at a loose end. Drop by if you find yourself at a loose end this weekend.
How do you use the phrase at a crossroads?
At a point when a choice must be made; at a point of change. After earning my degree, I’m at a crossroads. I need to figure out which direction my life should take. As a company, we’re at a crossroads.
What do you do when your relationship is at a crossroads?
He said, “If you love something, let it go….What to Do When You’ve Reached a Crossroad in Your Relationship
- Step One: Sleep on it. Don’t make any hasty decisions based on the height of an emotion.
- Step Two: Weigh your values.
- Step Three: Detach with love.
- Step Four: Carve your own path.
What is the meaning of the idiom to ride the high horse?
arrogance
to start talking angrily about something bad that someone else has done as if you feel you are better or more clever than they are. Showing arrogance and conceit.
What is the meaning of idiom bear the brunt?
Put up with the worst of some bad circumstance, as in It was the secretary who had to bear the brunt of the doctor’s anger. This idiom uses brunt in the sense of “the main force of an enemy’s attack,” which was sustained by the front lines of the defenders. [
What is the meaning of the idiom to eat a humble pie?
to admit that one was wrong
Definition of eat humble pie informal. : to admit that one was wrong or accept that one has been defeated They had to eat humble pie when the rumors they were spreading were proved false.
What does it mean to work at cross purposes?
at cross purposes In conflict with or in opposition to. You will never find success if you continue to work at cross purposes with your teammates. See also: cross, purpose Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
How do you use the word at cross purposes in a sentence?
at cross purposes at cross-purposes at daggers drawn at death’s door at death’s doorstep at door at doorstep at each other’s throats at earliest convenience at ease at elbow at every turn at expense at face value at face value, take at fault at feet at fever pitch at fingertips at first at first blush at first glance at first glance/sight
What does we are arguing at cross purposes mean?
with opposing viewpoints; with goals that interfere with each other. We are arguing at cross-purposes. We aren’t even discussing the same thing. Bill and Tom are working at cross-purposes. They’ll never get the job done right.