at cross-purposes
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That makes “build-to-rent” development a bad investment, which means it won’t happen, which means fewer homes will be built, which is at cross-purposes with the point of the bill.
From Slate • Mar. 14, 2026
But instead Andrew remained part of the Royal Family, appearing at national events, at cross-purposes to the worthier efforts of his elder brother.
From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026
“Hitchcock & Herrmann” is a painstakingly detailed history of two geniuses working first together and then at cross-purposes.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025
Rather, he says, there are “huge responsibilities, particularly when you’re dealing with the traumatized,” that are at cross-purposes with the conventions of narrative TV.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2025
Wintergreen was a snide little punk who enjoyed working at cross-purposes.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
