lock horns
To come into conflict.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The two neighbors often lock horns over their garden fence.”
“The manager and the lead designer locked horns during the meeting because they disagreed on the project budget.”
“Although they were long-time allies, the two politicians locked horns over the new tax policy, ultimately ending their professional partnership.”
- 01
chrome horn
The front bumper of a car when used to bump another vehicle, usually to inform the driver of the other vehicle that the first car would like to pass.
- 02
grab the bull by the horns
Synonym of take the bull by the horns.
- 03
lock into
To firmly commit to (something or someone).
- 04
lock someone up and throw away the key
To lock someone up in prison indefinitely.
- 05
locked up
Imprisoned, incarcerated.
- 06
on the horn
On the telephone.
- 07
pull in one's horns
To become less impassioned, aggressive, or argumentative; to exercise restraint; to yield or capitulate.
- 08
toot one's own horn
To promote oneself; to boast or brag; to tout oneself.
Last updated August 10, 2026