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Discover LudwigThe phrase "lock horns" is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.
It means "to get into a heated argument or disagreement." It is often used in a figurative sense, comparing the interaction to that of two animals locking their horns during a physical battle. Example: "The two politicians locked horns during the debate, each fiercely defending their opposing views on healthcare reform."
Idiom
Lock horns.
When people lock horns, they argue or fight about something.
Dictionary
lock horns
verb
To come into conflict.
synonyms
Exact(60)
The study authors suggest that females lock horns and fight like sumo wrestlers, enabling larger-horned beetles to grab a greater stash of dung.
Conservatives and liberals lock horns.
Interests will always lock horns.
Cities and counties lock horns over jobs and trade.
No one wants to lock horns with them.
It is rare to see private equity firms lock horns in a public bidding war.
Mr. Ferrell is not the only celebrity to lock horns with Wall Street recently.
Meanwhile, Harry finally got his chance to lock horns with the third estate.
It was a missed opportunity for the goaltenders to lock horns.
As these two companies lock horns, a battle over standards is looming.
The sense of Furtado finding a whole new soundscape to lock horns against is exhilarating.
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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com