# lock horns

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lock-horns
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To come into conflict.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.