# butt heads

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/butt-heads
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To argue uncompromisingly.

## Examples

- The two managers often butt heads over budgets.
- My sister and I butt heads whenever we try to plan a family trip together.
- The ambitious young reformer and the cautious veteran senator butt heads at every committee meeting, their clashing visions paralysing the legislation.

## Origin

Derived from the ritual combat of horned animals, which compete for dominance by striking their heads against one another. The term records the physical collision of animals such as goats or rams and entered the English lexicon as a figurative expression for stubborn disagreement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.