How to use "at loggerheads"

What Does "at loggerheads" Mean?

• The idiomatic meaning of "at loggerheads" is to be in a state of strong disagreement or dispute. It implies a situation where parties are in opposition, often to the point of being unable to reach an agreement or compromise.
• The origin of the phrase is thought to come from the use of a "loggerhead," a type of long-handled tool used for stirring pitch or heating liquids. When two people were at loggerheads, they would be literally fighting with these tools. Another possibility is that it refers to the loggerhead sea turtle, known for its large head, suggesting a stubborn or obstinate nature.
• Register: Neutral

How to Use It

• Grammatical flexibility: The phrase "at loggerheads" typically follows a form of the verb "to be." It can be modified by adverbs (e.g., "constantly at loggerheads") and can be used in questions (e.g., "Why are they at loggerheads?"). It can also be negated (e.g., "They are not at loggerheads").
• What sounds unnatural: It sounds unnatural to use "at loggerheads" in a literal sense. For example, saying "They were literally at loggerheads with tools" would be confusing and not idiomatic. Overusing the phrase in casual conversation can also sound stilted or overly formal.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from at loggerheads on Ludwig.guru.

"He found himself "at loggerheads" with himself." — The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The two sides appear at loggerheads." — The New York Times

"Yet environmentalists and economists are often at loggerheads." — The Economist

"Facebook and Yahoo! are at loggerheads over internet patents." — The Economist

"The two institutions have often been at loggerheads." — The Economist

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/at+loggerheads

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
in disagreement	A general term for not agreeing; less intense than "at loggerheads."
at odds	Similar to "at loggerheads," suggesting conflict or tension.
in conflict	Emphasizes the active opposition between parties.
in dispute	Highlights a disagreement or argument, often formal.
contending with	Suggests an ongoing struggle or competition.
locked in a battle	More dramatic; implies a significant and prolonged conflict.
on opposing sides	Simply indicates different viewpoints or allegiances.

Common Mistakes

• A common mistake is to use the phrase in a literal way, misunderstanding its idiomatic meaning.
• Another error is using "at loggerheads" in very informal settings where simpler language would be more appropriate.
• Learners often misuse the preposition or misunderstand the level of formality, using it in casual conversation when a more direct term might be better.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Idiomatic Meaning	Register	Avoid In
at loggerheads	In a state of disagreement or conflict	Neutral	Very casual conversation

FAQs

Is "at loggerheads" ever used literally, or always figuratively?

"At loggerheads" is almost exclusively used figuratively. While the phrase may have originated from a literal image of fighting with tools, its modern usage always implies a state of disagreement or conflict, not a physical altercation.

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How does "at loggerheads" differ from its closest idiomatic alternative, "at odds"?

While both phrases indicate disagreement, "at loggerheads" suggests a more entrenched and potentially irreconcilable conflict than "at odds." Being "at odds" can imply a minor disagreement, whereas "at loggerheads" suggests a deeper, more significant opposition.

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How can I avoid misusing "at loggerheads"?

To avoid misusing "at loggerheads," remember that it's a neutral to slightly formal expression best suited for describing significant disagreements. Avoid using it in very casual settings or when describing minor differences of opinion. Also, ensure you're using the correct preposition: it's always "at loggerheads," not "in loggerheads" or any other variation.