Definition

Adjective phrase: - In disagreement or conflict: Used to describe a situation where two or more things are inconsistent, contradictory, or not in harmony with each other. - In a state of conflict or opposition: Can describe people or groups who are quarreling or hold opposing views.

Usage

The phrase "at odds" is used to indicate a lack of agreement or harmony. It is typically followed by the preposition "with" when specifying what something is in disagreement with. - Common structure: [Subject] + be + at odds + with + [Object] - It describes a state of contradiction between facts, figures, opinions, or people.

Examples

• Describing conflicting information:
  • The witness's testimony was at odds with the video evidence.
  • His optimistic public statements are at odds with the company's internal reports.
• Describing people in disagreement:
  • The two departments have been at odds over the budget for months.
  • She found herself at odds with her colleagues on the new policy.

Advanced Usage

• "at odds over [something]": Used to specify the subject of the disagreement.
  • The siblings were at odds over their inheritance.
• "at odds with oneself": Describes an internal conflict or indecision.
  • He felt at odds with himself, torn between his career and his family.

Variants and Related Words

• Odd (adj): Strange or unusual. (Note: This is the root adjective but has a different primary meaning).
• Odds (n): The probability or chance that something will happen; often used in gambling (e.g., ). This is the noun form from which the phrase originates.

Synonyms

• In conflict with
• Contradictory to
• Inconsistent with
• At variance with

Related Phrases

• At loggerheads: In strong disagreement or dispute (often more confrontational than "at odds").
  • The management and the union are at loggerheads.
• See eye to eye: To agree (this is an antonymic phrase).
  • Fortunately, we see eye to eye on most important issues.

Adjective

1. in disagreement
   • the figures are at odds with our findings
   • contradictory attributes of unjust justice and loving vindictiveness- John Morley