At loggerheads

Meaning

In sharp disagreement or confrontation.

Usage

Used when describing impasses between people or groups.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Loggerheads were old iron tools that clashed, so the phrase praised strife.

English writers used it as early as the 1600s in political disputes.