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.
“It is very dangerous when two parts of our government are working at cross-purposes, and it’s got to change,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
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
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
Carroll, however, will tell you that he’s also been misconstrued, and that establishing the run is not at cross-purposes with an explosive attack.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 9, 2023
Wintergreen was a snide little punk who enjoyed working at cross-purposes.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
