ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lock horns

idiom
Meaning

To come into conflict.


Examples
SIMPLE

The two neighbors often lock horns over their garden fence.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager and the lead designer locked horns during the meeting because they disagreed on the project budget.

COMPLEX

Although they were long-time allies, the two politicians locked horns over the new tax policy, ultimately ending their professional partnership.

Anchors to
Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    grab the bull by the horns

    Synonym of take the bull by the horns.

  2. 02

    lock into

    To firmly commit to (something or someone).

  3. 03

    lock someone up and throw away the key

    To lock someone up in prison indefinitely.

  4. 04

    pull in one's horns

    To become less impassioned, aggressive, or argumentative; to exercise restraint; to yield or capitulate.

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