cross-purpose: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘cross-purpose’ mean?
The idiom "cross-purpose" refers to when two or more people have different goals or intentions, which results in conflict or confusion.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kill two birds with one stone" means to accomplish two tasks simultaneously or to achieve two goals with a single action or solution.
The idiom "kill two birds with one stone" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It means achieving two objectives with a single action. This concept of efficiency and effectiveness in achieving multiple goals with one action seems to be a universal theme.
The idiom "join forces" means to unite or collaborate with someone or a group of people to achieve a common goal or objective.
The idiom "in the crosshairs" means to be the target of attention, criticism, or potential harm.
The idiom "horses for courses" means that different people or things are suited to different tasks or situations.
The idiom "horses for courses" is a popular expression used in English-speaking countries to convey the idea that different people or things are suitable for different situations or tasks. It is believed to have originated in the world of horse racing and has subsequently been applied figuratively in a variety of contexts.
The idiom "hit two targets with one arrow" means to achieve two goals or objectives with a single action or effort.
The idiom "hit two targets with one arrow" is a metaphorical expression that emphasizes efficiency and effectiveness in accomplishing multiple goals simultaneously.
This idiomatic phrase is known to be of Chinese origin and has gained popularity in the English language.
The idiom "happy medium" refers to finding a balance or compromise between two extremes or conflicting ideas.
The idiom "happy medium" refers to finding a satisfactory compromise between two extremes. It suggests achieving a balance or moderation in a given situation. The phrase dates back to the late 18th century, but its usage remains prevalent in modern English.
The idiom "get one's wires crossed" means to become confused or mistaken due to a miscommunication or misunderstanding.
The idiom "double Dutch" refers to something that is confusing or difficult to understand, often because of language barriers or complex instructions.
The idiom "cut both ways" means that a situation or action can have both positive and negative consequences. It implies that something can have a double-edged effect or outcome.
The idiom "cross to take up" means to switch from one side or position to another, often involving a change in opinion or loyalty.
Misaligned Objectives
The idiom "cross-purpose" is a commonly used phrase that has a specific meaning in the English language. When people are working or communicating at cross-purposes, it means they have conflicting or opposing goals or intentions. This idiom is often used to describe situations where individuals or groups are not understanding each other or unintentionally working against each other.
The origin and etymology of the idiom "cross-purpose" is not extensively documented or readily available. However, it can be inferred that the idiom's meaning is derived from the literal sense of "cross" and "purpose." The word "cross" refers to something being in a path or position that intersects with or crosses another. Meanwhile, "purpose" signifies an intention, objective, or goal.
In the context of the idiom "cross-purpose," the word "cross" suggests a clash or intersection of intentions or objectives. It implies that there is a fundamental misalignment or conflict between the goals or motivations of the individuals involved, leading to a lack of effective communication or cooperation. The idiom encapsulates the idea that when people are at cross-purposes, they are inadvertently working against each other instead of towards a shared goal.
The idiom "cross-purpose" is frequently used in both spoken and written language across various domains, including formal and informal settings, literature, and everyday conversations. It is often employed to highlight instances of miscommunication, misunderstandings, and conflicting intentions between individuals or groups. The idiom helps convey the concept of a situation where people may be using their time, efforts, or resources inefficiently due to their opposing goals or lack of alignment.
Understanding and properly using the idiom "cross-purpose" can be beneficial in fostering effective communication, collaboration, and goal alignment. Recognizing when individuals or groups are at cross-purposes can assist in identifying and addressing conflicts or misalignments. By acknowledging the idiom's meaning and implications, individuals can strive for clearer communication and work towards creating a more harmonious and productive environment.
The idiom "cross-purpose" is closely related to the idioms "at cross-purposes" and "cross paths." When people are at cross-purposes, they have conflicting or opposing goals or intentions, similar to the meaning of the idiom "cross-purpose." However, "at cross-purposes" specifically emphasizes the idea of individuals or groups not understanding each other or unintentionally working against each other. It highlights the miscommunication and lack of alignment that can occur when people have different objectives.
On the other hand, "cross paths" refers to the literal crossing or intersecting of paths. When two or more people cross paths, they come into contact with each other, often by chance. This idiom can also be used metaphorically to describe chance encounters or coincidences. While "cross paths" does not necessarily imply conflicting or opposing goals like "cross-purpose" or "at cross-purposes," it does emphasize the idea of unexpected or unplanned intersections.
The idiom "cross-purpose" remains a relevant and commonly used expression in contemporary English. Its usage continues to be practical and valuable in various contexts where conflicting intentions or goals hinder effective communication and cooperation. While the exact origins of the idiom may not be definitively known, its significance and usage have persisted, making it an essential part of the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "cross-purpose" can be used in a sentence:
- They were working on the project, but unfortunately, they were working at cross-purposes and their efforts did not align.
- The two political parties are constantly arguing and working against each other, often cross-purposing their intentions to pass any meaningful legislation.
- During the meeting, the CEO and the CFO were speaking at cross-purposes, as they had different goals and strategies for the company's financial future.
More "Miscommunication" idioms
