Idiom – At loggerheads

At loggerheads – Idiom of the Day

Meaning:

In violent dispute or disagreement.

Origin:

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.

Usage:

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