talk at cross purposes

To talk with others in a way that promotes or maintains conflict or opposition. You will never find success if you continue to talk at cross purposes with your teammates.

be/talk at cross ˈpurposes

(of two people or groups) misunderstand what the other is referring to or trying to do: Mary and I spoke about Anne for a minute or two before I realized we were talking at cross purposes: I meant Anne Smith and Mary meant Anne Harris.

See also: cross, purpose, talk

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive ?

Puigdemont and Rajoy still talk at cross purposes, with the former indicating willingness to meet outside Spain and the latter refusing to engage.

How Catalan voters gave Spain another headache

The 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework (MFF) negotiations are still in limbo as the Council and the European Parliament continue to talk at cross purposes. The Irish Presidency, negotiating on behalf of the Council, believes all the conditions are in place for talks to start.

MULTIANNUAL FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK : MFF IN LIMBO AS COUNCIL AND EP TALK AT CROSS PURPOSES