lock horns

phrase

Definition of lock hornsnext
as in argue
to express different opinions about something often angrily Alan likes to locks horns with everyone, so don't take it personally.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lock horns European heavyweights France and Spain lock horns today in the first semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lock horns
butt heads
Phrase
  • Ron Howard recalled working with John Wayne on 1976 film The Shootist, where the veteran actor butted heads with director Don Siegel.
    — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026
  • Newman lived down the hall from Jerry, and the two often butted heads, worsened by Newman’s participation in Kramer’s wild schemes.
    — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
Definition of butt heads

Browse Nearby Words

lockets
lock horns
locking
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Cite this Entry

“Lock horns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lock%20horns. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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