loggerhead

In conflict. A "logger" is a 16th-century term for a block of wood, so a "loggerhead" is a blockhead or fool. They are at loggerheads over the best way to lead the committee.

To be in conflict. A "logger" is a 16th-century term for a block of wood, so a "loggerhead" is a blockhead or fool. They are at loggerheads over the best way to lead the committee.

Fig. in conflict with someone; having reached an impasse (about something). Tom is at loggerheads with Bill. We are at loggerheads with each other. The twins were at loggerheads over who should take the larger room.

strongly disagreeing The two sides are still at loggerheads on how big the workers' pay increase will be.

if two people or groups are at loggerheads, they disagree strongly about something (often + with ) They're constantly at loggerheads with the farmers' union. (sometimes + over ) The Senate and the House are still at loggerheads over the most crucial parts of the bill.

Engaged in a quarrel or dispute, as in The two families were always at loggerheads, making it difficult to celebrate holidays together . This term may have come from some earlier meaning of loggerhead, referring either to a blockhead or stupid person, or to a long-handled iron poker with a bulb-shaped end that was heated in the fire and used to melt pitch. If it was the latter, it may have been alluded to as a weapon. [Late 1600s] For a synonym, see at odds.

Engaged in a dispute: The question of car privileges put Sam and his parents at loggerheads.