locking horns

phrase

present participle of lock horns
as in bickering
to express different opinions about something often angrily Alan likes to locks horns with everyone, so don't take it personally.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of locking horns The shots of it locking horns with a Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider along the Los Angeles River storm canal are still cinematic magic. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for locking horns
butting heads
Phrase
  • The two longtime friends are still getting over butting heads in Season 2.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Everyone seems to be getting along except for Andriy and Bobby, who are already butting heads with Jude caught in the middle.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 July 2026
Definition of butting heads

Browse Nearby Words

locking
locking horns
locking out
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Cite this Entry

“Locking horns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/locking%20horns. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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