At Cross Purposes Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

The meaning of the idiom “at cross purposes” is in a way that causes confusion or failure because people are working and talking with different goals or purposes. 

When you use the idiom “at cross purposes” it means that you are defining a situation that has been chaotic as people are working on different goals. 

It is frequently used to describe a situation that has caused confusion because not everyone is aligned on the same action and goals. 

Usage with Examples 

“At cross purposes” can be used in various situations. It can be used with friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances. 

Make sure you keep a check on the tone of your voice while using this idiom with your colleagues as they might get offended. 

In reality, this idiom is used to describe a situation that is causing confusion where people are not aligned on the same goals. 

Mentioned below are some examples where you can use the idiom at cross purposes:

• We’ll never succeed together if we keep working at cross purposes. 
• I don’t think this will work out because we both are at cross purposes.
• You will never grow in this organisation if you work at cross purposes with your teammates.

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Synonyms and Similar Words to At Cross Purposes

Mentioned below are some synonyms and related words to at cross purposes:

• Confound 
• Confuse 
• Misapprehend 
• Miscalculate 
• Misapply 

At Cross Purposes Meaning Quiz

If you keep working at cross purposes with your teammates:

• You will not succeed.
• You will be promoted.
• You will be given recognition and rewards.

Ans: You will not succeed.

Also Read: 150 Common: Difficult Idioms with Examples 

This was all about the idiom at cross purposes meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.