at loggerheads

log·ger·head  (lôgr-hd, lgr-)

n.

1. A loggerhead turtle.

2. An iron tool consisting of a long handle with a bulbous end, used when heated to melt tar or warm liquids.

3. Nautical A post on a whaleboat used to secure the harpoon rope.

4. Informal

a. A blockhead; a dolt.

b. A disproportionately large head.

Idiom:

at loggerheads

Engaged in a dispute: The question of car privileges put Sam and his parents at loggerheads.

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[Probably dialectal logger, wooden block (probably from log) + head.]

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

at loggerheads - in a dispute or confrontation; "Sam and his parents were at loggerheads over the question of car privileges" hostile - characterized by enmity or ill will; "a hostile nation"; "a hostile remark"; "hostile actions"