English Words for "Disagreement"

to ask for trouble

phrase

/ˈæsk fɔːɹ tɹˈʌbəl/

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Idiom

Informal

to do something that is very likely to result in trouble or difficulty

Example

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Driving without a seatbelt is like asking for trouble; it's dangerous and against the law.

Borrowing money from a loan shark is definitely asking for trouble due to the exorbitant interest rates.

What is the origin of the idiom "ask for trouble" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the idiom "ask for trouble" is not well-documented, but it is a common idiom in the English language that likely developed over time to describe situations where individuals intentionally or unintentionally create problems or difficulties for themselves.

adversary

noun

a

æ

d

v

e

ɜ

r

s

a

ɛ

r

y

i

a person that one is opposed to and fights or competes with

agonist

against

preposition

a

ə

g

ai

ɛ

n

s

t

in opposition to someone or something

all hell break loose

phrase

/ˈɔːl hˈɛl bɹˈeɪk lˈuːs ˈaʊt/

Idiom

Informal

used when a situation suddenly becomes very intense or chaotic

What is the origin of the idiom "all hell break loose" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "all hell break loose" is not precisely documented, but it is believed to have evolved from earlier expressions that vividly describe a chaotic and uncontrollable situation. The phrase is used to describe moments when a situation quickly deteriorates or becomes extremely chaotic, with various problems, conflicts, or disturbances erupting simultaneously.

altercation

noun

a

ɑ

l

t

e

ɜ

r

c

k

a

eɪ

t

ʃ

io

ə

n

a noisy dispute

anti

preposition

a

æ

n

t

i

used to convey that one is against something

to argue

Verb

a

ɑ:

r

g

u

ju:

e

to speak to someone often angrily because one disagrees with them

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

argument

noun

a

ɑ:

r

g

u

j

ə

m

e

ə

n

t

a discussion, typically a serious one, between two or more people with different views

to argue with

Verb

/ˈɑːɹɡjuː wɪð/

to deny a statement

Grammatical Information:

transitive

argumentative

Adjective

a

ɑ

r

g

u

j

ə

m

e

ɛ

n

t

a

ə

t

i

ɪ

v

e

(of a person) ready to argue and often arguing

unargumentative

as a matter of fact

phrase

/æz ɐ mˈæɾɚɹ ʌv fˈækt/

Collocation

used to introduce a statement that presents a truth or reality, often to clarify or emphasize something

at loggerheads

phrase

/æt lˈɔɡɚhˌɛdz/

Idiom

Informal

in serious disagreement with someone

What is the origin of the idiom "at loggerheads" and when to use it?

The idiom "at loggerheads" has its origins in the nautical term "loggerheads," which refers to round iron instruments with long handles, historically used to heat pitch for sealing seams in wooden ships. When sailors disagreed or argued, they often resorted to wielding these loggerheads as weapons. Over time, the term evolved to describe a situation where two or more individuals or groups are in a state of deadlock, unable to reach an agreement or resolve their differences.

at odds

phrase

/æt ˈɑːdz/

Idiom

(of opinions) in complete disagreement with each other

What is the origin of the idiom "at odds" and when to use it?

The idiom "at odds" originated from the idea of conflicting or contradictory situations. The term "odds" originally referred to numbers that represented the chances of one event happening in relation to another. Over time, it evolved to suggest a disagreement or lack of agreement between individuals or groups.

at each other's throats

phrase

/æt ˈiːtʃ ˈʌðɚz θɹˈoʊts/

Idiom

Informal

used when two or more people, groups, or organizations fight or disagree with one another

What is the origin of the idiom "at each other's throats" and when to use it?

The idiom "at each other's throats" originates from the imagery of animals engaged in aggressive or combative behavior, specifically focusing on the vulnerable and vital part of the neck—the throat. The phrase has been metaphorically applied to convey a sense of heightened tension, with the implication that the parties involved are engaged in a figurative struggle for dominance or superiority.

battle line

noun

/bˈæɾəl lˈaɪn/

Idiom

the dividing line between opposing sides in a conflict or confrontation

What is the origin of the idiom "battle line" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "battle line" can be traced back to military tactics and strategies employed in ancient warfare. The concept of organizing forces in a linear formation can be found in various historical periods and civilizations, including ancient Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe. The specific term "battle line" itself emerged as a descriptor for the position or alignment of troops facing the enemy during conflicts. Over time, the term has been adopted and adapted in different contexts beyond its military origins to represent divisions or confrontations in various arenas, such as politics, sports, or even metaphorical battles of ideas.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

to beard the lion in his den

phrase

/bˈɪɹd ðə lˈaɪən ɪn hɪz hɜː dˈɛn/

Idiom

to confront someone very powerful or dangerous in their area of control and strength, where they hold the advantage

What is the origin of the idiom "beard the lion in his den" and when to use it?

The phrase "beard the lion in his den" originated from Shakespeare's play "Richard III" and refers to the act of confronting a powerful opponent or authority figure in their own territory or domain. It symbolizes the courage to face a formidable challenge or danger head-on. It is commonly employed in situations involving challenging authority figures, taking on formidable opponents, or standing up to influential individuals in their own stronghold.

bellicose

Adjective

b

e

ɛ

ll

l

i

ə

c

k

o

oʊ

s

e

displaying a willingness to start an argument, fight, or war

to bicker

Verb

b

i

ɪ

ck

k

e

ɜ

r

to argue over unimportant things in an ongoing and repetitive way

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to bite one's tongue

phrase

/bˈaɪt ɔːɹ hˈoʊld wˈʌnz tˈʌŋ/

Idiom

Informal

to not say something, against one's wish, in order to avoid causing an argument or upsetting someone

What is the origin of the idiom "bite one's tongue" and when to use it?

The idiom "bite one's tongue" has its origins in the English language and dates back to at least the 16th century. The expression alludes to the literal act of biting down on one's own tongue to prevent oneself from speaking. It is commonly employed when someone wants to refrain from speaking their mind, opinions, or criticisms in order to maintain peace, avoid conflicts, or prevent hurting others' feelings.

bone of contention

phrase

/bˈoʊn ʌv kəntˈɛnʃən/

Idiom

Informal

a subject over which people disagree

What is the origin of the idiom "bone of contention" and when to use it?

The idiom "bone of contention" has roots in medieval English, where it originated from the literal meaning of a "bone" as an object of dispute or contention between two dogs. The phrase evolved to describe any contentious issue or subject that serves as a cause for disagreement or conflict between individuals or groups. Over time, it transitioned from its literal origins to a metaphorical usage, becoming a common expression in the English language to denote a central point of disagreement or conflict.

to carry on

Verb

/kˈæɹi ˈɑːn/

to continue talking

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

Phrasal Status

inseparable

phrase's verb

carry

phrase's particle

on

challenging

Adjective

ch

ʧ

a

æ

ll

l

e

ə

n

g

ʤ

i

ɪ

n

g

intending to provoke thought or discussion

clash

noun

c

k

l

a

æ

sh

ʃ

a serious argument between two sides caused by their different views and beliefs

to clash

Verb

c

k

l

a

æ

sh

ʃ

to strongly and publicly argue or disagree with someone

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to collide

Verb

c

k

o

ə

ll

l

i

aɪ

d

e

(of people, their opinions, ideas, etc.) to seriously disagree

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

come off it

interjection

/kˈʌm ˈɔf ɪt/

Idiom

Informal

used to tell someone that they should stop saying or doing a particular thing

What is the origin of the idiom "come off it" and when to use it?

The idiom "come off it" is an informal expression that is used to indicate skepticism or disbelief when someone makes statements or claims that are considered unrealistic or insincere. While the precise historical origin of the phrase is not documented, it has been in use in everyday language for many years. This expression is used to express skepticism or disbelief when someone is making statements or claims that are considered unrealistic, exaggerated, or insincere.

to come out on top

phrase

/kˈʌm ˈaʊt ˌɑːn tˈɑːp/

Idiom

Informal

to win an argument or other competitive situation

What is the origin of the idiom "come out on top" and when to use it?

Its origin can be traced back to the 16th century, where the phrase "come out uppermost" was used with a similar meaning. The expression "top" has long been associated with success and victory, and is commonly used in sports to refer to the highest score or the ultimate goal. Over time, the phrase "come out on top" became a popular idiom used in various contexts.

conflict

noun

c

k

o

ɑ

n

f

l

i

ɪ

c

k

t

a serious disagreement or argument, often involving opposing interests or ideas

to conflict

Verb

c

k

o

ɑ

n

f

l

i

ɪ

c

k

t

(of two ideas, opinions, etc.) to oppose each other

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to confront

Verb

c

k

o

ə

n

f

r

o

ə

n

t

to face someone, particularly in a way that is unfriendly or threatening

Grammatical Information:

transitive

confrontation

noun

c

k

o

ɑ

n

f

r

o

ə

n

t

a

eɪ

t

ʃ

io

ə

n

a situation of hostility or strong disagreement between two opposing individuals, parties, or groups

contention

noun

c

k

o

ə

n

t

e

ɛ

n

t

ʃ

io

ə

n

a state of heated disagreement, often coming from different viewpoints or interests

contentious

Adjective

c

k

o

ə

n

t

e

ɛ

n

t

ʃ

iou

ə

s

inclined to argue or provoke disagreement

to contradict

Verb

c

k

o

ɑ

n

t

r

a

ə

d

i

ɪ

c

k

t

to disagree with someone, particularly by asserting the opposite of their statement

confirm

Grammatical Information:

transitive

contretemps

noun

c

k

o

ɑ

n

t

r

e

ə

t

e

ɛ

m

p

s

a slight disagreement or an unpleasant event that causes embarrassment

controversial

Adjective

c

k

o

ɑ

n

t

r

o

ə

v

e

ɜ

r

s

ʃ

ia

ə

l

causing a lot of strong public disagreement or discussion

uncontroversial

controversially

Adverb

c

k

o

ɑ:

n

t

r

o

ə

v

e

r

s

i

a

ll

l

y

i

in a way that causes strong public disagreement

uncontroversially

controversy

noun

c

k

o

ɑ

n

t

r

o

ə

v

e

ɜ

r

s

y

i

a strong disagreement or argument over something that involves many people

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