cross-purpose (redirected from at cross-purposes)

cross-pur·pose (krôspûrps, krs-)

n.

A usually unintentionally conflicting or contrary purpose.

Idiom:

at cross-purposes

Having or acting under a misunderstanding of each other's purposes: We're working at cross-purposes.

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cross-purpose

n

1. a contrary aim or purpose

at cross-purposes conflicting; opposed; disagreeing

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

cross-purpose - a contrary aim; "at cross-purposes" aim, intent, intention, purpose, design - an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions; "his intent was to provide a new translation"; "good intentions are not enough"; "it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs"; "he made no secret of his designs"