cross-purpose

名词 cross-purpose:

1. a contrary aim

cross-pur.pose

n.（名词）
A usually unintentionally conflicting or contrary purpose.
矛盾：通常是非故意的互相冲突或出于相反的目的

<习惯用语>at cross-purposes
Having or acting under a misunderstanding of each other`s purposes:
彼此误解：对各自的目的相互误解的或在相互误解的情况下所为的：
例句：
We`re working at cross-purposes. We`re talking at cross-purposes.
我们的工作目标相互冲突。我们在交谈时各有所指