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cross purposes

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
See also: cross-purposes

English

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Noun

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cross purposes

  1. plural of cross purpose.
  2. (plural-noun) Conflicting, or contrary meanings or ideas, usually arising unintentionally.
    • 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “Different Views of Life”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. [], volume III, London: Henry Colburn, [], →OCLC, page 108:
      "Well," continued Lavinia, "life is just like a comedy, only it does not end so pleasantly; but it has just as many cross purposes. Here I am in love with you, who care only for Miss Churchill; she, again, loves Mr. Courtenaye, and he loves only himself, as far as I can make out."