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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“Cross-purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-purpose. Accessed 20 May. 2022.
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Time Traveler for cross-purpose
The first known use of cross-purpose was in 1668
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