at issue
1. Under discussion. The topic at issue is whether or not to implement a new detention policy. I hear that controversial new parking policy is at issue in today's city council meeting. Please tell me that mandatory overtime is at issue in the board meeting.
2. In disagreement. They are at issue over the best way to lead the committee. It seems like my teen daughters are always at issue over one thing or another. I get that you're both angry, but what exactly is at issue here?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
at issue
1. In question, under discussion; also, to be decided. For example, Who will pay for the refreshments was the point at issue. [Early 1800s]
2. In conflict, in disagreement, as in Physicians are still at issue over the appropriate use of hormone therapy. This usage, from legal terminology, was defined by Sir William Blackstone ( Commentaries on the Laws of England, 1768), who said that when a point is affirmed by one side and denied by the other, "they are then said to be at issue."
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
at ˈissue
the most important part of the subject that is being discussed: The point at issue here is his honesty, not the quality of his work.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
issue
n. problem. (In colloquial use, issue has virtually replaced the word problem. It is even heard in a few idioms such as Do you have an issue with that?) I had an issue with my car this morning. It wouldn’t start. You are late again! Do you have an issue with our office hours?
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
at issue
1. In question; in dispute: "Many people fail to grasp what is really at issue here" (Gail Sheehy).
2. At variance; in disagreement.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.