ENGLISH
REFERENCE

butt heads

idiom
Meaning

To argue uncompromisingly.


Origin

disputed origin

From the activities of some horned animals, which compete by butting, or hitting, their heads against one another.

Examples
SIMPLE

The two managers often butt heads over budgets.

CONTEXTUAL

My sister and I butt heads whenever we try to plan a family trip together.

COMPLEX

The ambitious young reformer and the cautious veteran senator butt heads at every committee meeting, their clashing visions paralysing the legislation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bang some heads together

    Attempt to get results from a previously ineffectual or argumentative group, typically by coercion or force.

  2. 02

    bust one's butt

    To work exceptionally hard.

  3. 03

    butt in

    To join a conversation or situation in which one is not welcome or invited; to interject (connotes a rude or discourteous interruption).

  4. 04

    butt up

    To touch closely, to scrape (against); to press firmly (against).

  5. 05

    full butt

    headfirst with full force

  6. 06

    get one's butt somewhere

    Go somewhere, especially quickly.

  7. 07

    heads or tails

    The practice of flipping a coin in the air, to choose between two alternatives based on which side lands face up.

  8. 08

    heads will roll

    Some people will be fired for incompetence.

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