at variance: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘at variance’ mean?
The idiom "at variance" means to be in disagreement or conflict with someone or something. It implies a lack of agreement or harmony between parties.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "have other ideas" means to disagree or have a different plan or opinion than what has been suggested or expected.
The idiom "go wrong" means that something does not go as planned or expected, and results in a failure or a mistake.
The idiom "go against the grain" means to act or think in a way that is contrary to what is expected or to the usual pattern. It suggests going against the established norms, conventions, or opinions.
The idiom "get along" means to have a harmonious relationship or to manage without problems. It refers to the ability to coexist or work well together.
Get along is an idiomatic expression commonly used in American English. It is a multi-purpose phrasal verb that can be used in different contexts, with slightly different meanings.
An idiom that means to go against or defy something, often in a defiant or bold manner.
The idiom "fall out" means to have a quarrel or disagreement with someone. It refers to a situation where two individuals no longer get along or have a conflict that causes distance or hostility between them.
The idiom "fall out" has a few different meanings and uses in American English. Let's explore them step-by-step.
The idiom "falling out" means to have a disagreement or a rift with someone, resulting in the end of a friendship or relationship.
The idiom "fall foul" means to come into conflict or disagreement with someone or something, often resulting in negative consequences.
Fall foul is an idiom that has been in use for over 400 years. Its literal meaning can be traced back to the game of falconry, where a hawk or falcon would become entangled in a bush or thicket while chasing prey, known as "falling foul" of the vegetation.
The idiom "cross swords" means to have a conflict or engage in a fierce argument or disagreement with someone.
The idiom "cross-purpose" refers to when two or more people have different goals or intentions, which results in conflict or confusion.
Delve into the Ambiguity
The idiom "at variance" is closely related to several other idioms that express the concept of disagreement or conflict. One such idiom is "at odds." When two or more people or ideas are "at odds," it means they are in a state of disagreement or conflict. This can manifest as conflicting opinions, beliefs, or goals. The idiom "at odds" is similar to "at variance" in that both convey a sense of opposition or contradiction.
Another idiomatic expression that conveys a similar meaning is "couldn't be more different." This phrase is used to emphasize the stark contrast between two or more entities. When two things "couldn't be more different," it means they are polar opposites or have nothing in common. While "at variance" focuses on the state of disagreement, "couldn't be more different" highlights the extent of the contrast.
Similarly, the idiom "at cross-purposes" is closely related to "at variance." When two or more people are "at cross-purposes," it means they have conflicting goals or intentions, leading to an inability to work together effectively. This idiom emphasizes the misalignment or discord between individuals or groups.
On a more intense level, the idiom "at each other's throats" describes a state of extreme conflict or hostility between two or more individuals. When people are "at each other's throats," it means they are engaged in a heated argument or feud. This idiom suggests a more intense and volatile disagreement than "at variance" alone.
Lastly, the phrase "fall out" is also related to the idiom "at variance." When people "fall out," it means they have had a disagreement or argument that has caused a rift in their relationship. This idiom implies a sense of separation or distancing that occurs as a result of the disagreement.
These related idioms provide a broader context for understanding the concept of disagreement or conflict expressed by the idiom "at variance." They highlight different degrees and aspects of disagreement, from subtle differences of opinion to intense, hostile arguments. These idioms reflect the complexities and nuances of human relationships and interactions, showcasing the various ways in which disagreement and conflict can manifest.
The idiom "at variance" captures the essence of disagreement or conflict between two or more entities. It is a powerful phrase that has evolved over time to become a commonly used idiom in American English. When exploring the meaning and usage of this idiom, it is helpful to consider its relationship to related idioms such as "at odds," "couldn't be more different," "at cross-purposes," "at each other's throats," and "fall out." These idioms provide additional insights into the nuances of disagreement and conflict, offering a deeper understanding of the complexities of human communication and relationships.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom at variance can be used in a sentence:
- They are at variance over how to solve the problem.
- The two studies are at variance with each other in their findings.
- His actions were at variance with his words.
More "Conflicts" idioms
