WordLens

at odds

1 of 1phrase
/æt ɑdz/
1

(of opinions) in complete disagreement with each other

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.

  • Despite being close friends, they were at odds over the best approach to solving the problem.
  • The team members were at odds regarding the strategy for the upcoming project, leading to a heated discussion.
  • The siblings found themselves at odds when it came to deciding how to spend their vacation.
  • The scientists were at odds about the interpretation of the experimental results, sparking a debate in the research community.
  • The committee members were at odds over the proposed changes to the policy, highlighting differing perspectives on the matter.
2

(with reference to two things) in contrast to each other instead of correspondence

The idiom "at odds" originated from the concept of two things being in disagreement or conflict with each other, rather than being in harmony or correspondence. The phrase is used to emphasize a lack of agreement or compatibility between two entities, often used to describe contrasting opinions, conflicting interests, or opposing viewpoints.

  • The siblings were constantly at odds with each other, always arguing about trivial matters.
  • The company's financial goals were at odds with the employees' demands for higher wages.
  • The politician's statement was at odds with his previous stance on the issue, causing confusion among his supporters.
  • The scientific findings presented at the conference were at odds with the prevailing theories in the field, sparking a heated debate.
  • The artist's abstract painting was at odds with the traditional style of the gallery, eliciting mixed reactions from the visitors.