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opposite

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at opposite poles

At or holding two completely opposite positions, opinions, or viewpoints, as between two people or two groups of people. Refers to the North and South Pole, which lie diametrically opposite each other along the Earth's axis of rotation. The two parties of the government are at opposite poles on so many issues, it's a wonder anything is accomplished at all! Steve and I are just at opposite poles about the meaning of this poem.

See also: opposite, pole

on opposite sides of the barricade(s)

Occupying conflicting, opposing, and/or contrary positions on some issue or in some situation. Unfortunately, it seems more and more to be the case that those who would see the economy recover and those who strive for social equality find themselves on opposite sides of the barricade.

See also: of, on, opposite, side

opposites attract

Unlike people tend to be drawn to each other. A: "I have no idea why Ben and Julia are together when they have such different interests." B: "Well, opposites attract, right?" I know firsthand that opposites attract because my wife and I are very different people and have a very happy marriage!

See also: attract, opposite

opposite sex

the other sex; (from the point of view of a female) males; (from the point of view of a male) females. (Also with member of, as in the example.) Ann is crazy about the opposite sex. Bill is very shy when he's introduced to the opposite sex. Do members of the opposite sex make you nervous?

See also: opposite, sex

be two sides of the same coin

  also be different/opposite sides of the same coin

if two things are two sides of the same coin, they are very closely related although they seem different Violent behaviour and deep insecurity are often two sides of the same coin. Higher living standards and an increase in the general level of dissatisfaction are opposite sides of the same coin.

See split sides

See also: coin, of, same, side, two

opposite number, one's

One's counterpart, as in He's my opposite number in the California office. This expression is generally used for a person's equivalent in another organization or system ( number alluding to their position in a hierarchy). [c. 1900]

See also: opposite