Cross-purpose

Alternative forms

• cross purpose

Full definition of cross-purpose

Noun

1. (idiomatic) A contrary or conflicting purpose or understanding, especially an unintentional or misconceived one.We are working at cross-purposes here, if you're trying to reduce the count and I'm trying to increase it.
2. (dated) A conversational game, in which questions and answers are made so as to involve ludicrous combinations of ideas.

Derived terms

• at cross-purposes