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cross-purpose

noun cross-pur·pose \ ˈkrȯs-ˈpər-pəs \

Definition of cross-purpose

: a purpose usually unintentionally contrary to another purpose of oneself or of someone or something else —usually used in plural
  • the two were always working at cross-purposes

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First Known Use of cross-purpose

1668

in the meaning defined above

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Phrases Related to CROSS-PURPOSE

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cross-purpose

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