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at loggerheads
/æt ˈlɒɡərˌhɛdz/◆idiom
in strong disagreement
The two politicians have been at loggerheads over the new tax bill for months.
The politicians have been in serious disagreement about the tax bill for a long time.
informal
in strong disagreement or conflict, unable to reach an agreement
The management and the union are at loggerheads over working conditions.
The management and union cannot agree on working conditions.
The siblings were at loggerheads about who would inherit the family home.
The siblings strongly disagreed about the inheritance of the family home.
Used to describe people or groups who are in conflict and cannot compromise.
Collocations
at loggerheads with someonein disagreement with someone
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal interpretation
Do not think of 'loggerheads' as physical objects. Focus on the idea of being stuck in conflict.
Gold Rule
Use with people or groups
This idiom is only used to describe people or groups in disagreement, not objects or abstract concepts.
Word Origin
The phrase dates back to the 17th century and likely originates from the practice of using 'loggerheads' (iron bars heated and used to fight or as weapons) to describe people who were ready to fight or argue fiercely.
Usage Notes
This idiom is often used in political, workplace, or family contexts to describe prolonged disagreement.
English Dictionary