locking horns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "locking horns" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a common idiom that means two people or groups are in a heated argument or conflict. Example: "The two politicians were constantly locking horns during the debate, with neither one willing to back down on their stance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As you'll see, many of the recurring elements of LOST are demonstrated a good four decades before Locke and Sheppherd started locking horns.

TechCrunch

And Locke is looking forward to locking horns with a man who has had a great influence on him throughout his career.

BBC

The online advertising industry is currently locking horns in Washington to prove it can regulate itself.

Stanford University

The film adaptation had proved fraught with James occasionally locking horns with director Sam Taylor-Johnson.

Independent

As for Adams, is he at all excited about the prospect of locking horns with Klopp?

The Guardian - Sport

He will be demanding of both your time and energy, locking horns with you whenever the opportunity arises.

Harvard Business Review

Ambition, for Ghesquière, is about new frontiers, about bravery, about travel, about locking horns with the future.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Charlee Deaton, the architect's daughter, remembers her father playing poker with Mr. Allen, one eccentric recluse locking horns with another.

The New York Times

Whether at play or locking horns, the memoir reads like a lexical pinball game between Chesnutt and Hersh.

The Guardian - Books

But we are locking horns and there will be no love lost [today], or on Wednesday [in the second leg].

The Guardian - Sport

China and Japan, a key US ally in the region, are increasingly locking horns over uninhabited rocky islands each claims in the East China Sea.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In your writing, be mindful of the tone when using "locking horns"; it can sometimes imply a negative or adversarial relationship. Consider whether a more neutral term might be appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "locking horns" for minor disagreements or casual debates. The phrase implies a significant clash, so ensure the situation warrants such a strong term. Using it inappropriately can exaggerate the situation and diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "locking horns" functions as an idiomatic expression used to vividly describe situations of conflict, disagreement, or intense competition between two parties. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a heated argument or dispute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "locking horns" is a vivid and common way to describe a direct and intense conflict or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase effectively conveys the intensity of a confrontation, avoiding formal or technical language while clearly indicating a struggle between opposing sides. While similar phrases such as "at odds" or "clashing" exist, "locking horns" provides a specific image of forceful engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at loggerheads

This indicates a state of strong disagreement or stalemate, where parties are unable to find common ground.

clashing

This implies a direct and forceful confrontation, often sudden and intense.

at odds

This phrase indicates disagreement or being in opposition, often suggesting a fundamental difference in opinion or interest.

square off

This idiom means to prepare to fight or compete, either physically or verbally.

in conflict

This is a more general term indicating a state of disagreement or opposition.

contending

This implies striving in competition or rivalry, often in a more formal or strategic manner.

in a dispute

This suggests a formal disagreement or argument, often involving legal or official processes.

opposing each other

This is a literal expression of two sides working against each other.

embroiled in a conflict

This suggests being deeply involved in a complicated and often hostile disagreement.

controversy

This is a more generic term for disagreement.

FAQs

How to use "locking horns" in a sentence?

You can use "locking horns" to describe situations where two entities are in direct conflict, such as "The two companies are "locking horns" over market share" or "The politicians are "locking horns" on key policy issues".

What can I say instead of "locking horns"?

You can use alternatives like "in conflict", "at odds", or "clashing" depending on the context and the desired level of intensity.

Which is correct, "locking horns" or "butting heads"?

"Locking horns" and "butting heads" are very similar idioms and are often interchangeable. Both describe a state of conflict or disagreement. However, "butting heads" might imply a slightly more headstrong or stubborn approach to the disagreement.

What's the difference between "locking horns" and "having a disagreement"?

"Locking horns" implies a more intense and potentially adversarial conflict than simply "having a disagreement". "Locking horns" suggests a direct confrontation and a struggle for dominance or differing viewpoints.