cross-purpose: Meaning and Definition of

cross-pur•pose

Pronunciation: (krôs'pûr'pus, kros'-), [key]
— n.
  1. an opposing or contrary purpose.
  2. in a way that involves or produces mutual misunderstanding or frustration, usually unintentionally.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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