At Loggerheads - Idiom Of The Day For IELTS

This IELTS idiom “At Loggerheads” is perfect for responding to questions about describing disagreements or disputes between two parties or groups of people. The idiom directly refers to the arguments between them and you can use it in your IELTS writing or in your IELTS Speaking test. 

In this blog of ours, you will perfectly learn how to use “At Loggerheads” accurately in your answers, with sample sentences, meanings, and context-based practice exercises to boost your IELTS exam’s lexical resource score.

Meaning of the 'At Loggerheads' IELTS Idiom

This idiom “at loggerheads” means to be in a strong disagreement, dispute or with someone. This often refers to the situations in which two people, or groups cannot find a common ground. In the IELTS Speaking or Writing, this particular idiom is useful when you are describing arguments, disagreements, or debates in the society or personal relationships.

Where Did the Idiom 'At Loggerheads' Come From?

This phrase dates back to the 16th century wherein the word loggerhead originally referred to a type of blockhead or fool. Later on, this phrase was also used to describe an iron tool that was used in fights. The expression “at loggerheads” then came to mean being in a heated clash or in a confrontation, like two stubborn people butting heads.

The origins for this expression are shrouded in mystery. A loggerhead originally referred to a stupid person. In the 17th century, it took a new definition: a thick-headed iron tool. When “at loggerheads”’ came about soon thereafter, it may have referred to the use of loggerheads as weapons in fights. That is all we know.

Examples to Understand the Usage of the 'At Loggerheads' Idiom in Sentences

• The two political parties in our country are at loggerheads over the latest policy.
• The team lead was at loggerheads with the employees regarding their lunch hours.
• My team mates have been at loggerheads since the beginning of this project.
• Despite being best friends, they found themselves at loggerheads about certain money matters.

Synonyms of the 'At Loggerheads' Idiom

• In conflict
• In disagreement
• Quarreling
• In dispute

Antonyms of the 'At Loggerheads' Idiom

• In an agreement
• In harmony
• On the same page
• Cooperating
• Getting along

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using the 'At Loggerheads' Idiom

• Using it for a minor difference - This implies serious conflict, not small everyday disagreements.
• Applying it to a single individual without context -  This usually describes a dispute between two people or groups.
• Misinterpreting it in a literal context - This does not mean physically hitting people’s heads together.
• Using it in a positive context - This always carries a negative connotation of an argument or disagreement.

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom 'At Loggerheads'

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card when you are asked about a difficult decision, you might say:
“My dad and mom were at loggerheads over whether I should study abroad or to stay in my home country, and then I had to find a middle ground for the problem.”

Other Sentence Examples to Use 'At Loggerheads' Idiom in Sentences

• Union workers are at loggerheads with factory owners over wage hikes and overtime benefits.
• Barney has been at loggerheads with his father over installing the jacuzzi for 6 months now.
• The President and the House Majority Leader are at loggerheads over the amount that should be given to the people in the stimulus package.
• The United Kingdom has been at loggerheads with the European Union over what kind of trade deal they should have after brexit.
• The CEO of the company was at loggerheads with the board members over the revised targets for the company in the upcoming quarter.
• Jimmy and his girlfriend were at loggerheads over where to go for their anniversary vacation.
• The city’s police department is constantly at loggerheads with the mayor’s office, primarily over decreased funding for pensions, salaries and weapons. 

Using idioms like “At Loggerheads” adds a conversational tone and shows your ability to speak naturally about ongoing situations. It is perfect for expressing your thoughts about disagreements or fights between people. 

By integrating this idiom into your speaking practice, you'll not only expand your vocabulary but also demonstrate your comfort with real-life English expressions. Keep practicing it in context, and your responses will feel more fluent and confident during the IELTS test.  

If you're aiming for top scores, follow the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ to further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Useful Links:

• Don’t Spare the Horses Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises 
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• Cash-flow Problem - Idiom of the Day for IELTS
• Achieving Precision in IELTS Writing Vocabulary
• 100+ Advanced Vocabulary Word List for IELTS (PDF Available)
• Practical Tips on How to Improve Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam