at cross-purposes
idiom
: 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.
Cite this Entry
“At cross-purposes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20cross-purposes. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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