Meaning of cross purposes | Babel Free

Definitions

Conflicting, or contrary meanings or ideas, usually arising unintentionally.

Examples

“"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."”

CEFR level