lock horns

phrase

Synonyms of lock hornsnext
: to come into conflict

Examples of lock horns in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The shots of it locking horns with a Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider along the Los Angeles River storm canal are still cinematic magic. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026 There is no indication that organization locked horns with the city over its findings. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 When the paper’s management locked horns with workers during the 2024 strike, many staffers saw the use of AI to cut costs or counter labor actions as a betrayal of these principles. — Milad Jalalian Ebrahimi, The Conversation, 29 July 2026 European heavyweights France and Spain lock horns today in the first semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lock horns

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lock horns was in 1835

Rhymes for lock horns

See All Rhymes for lock horns

Browse Nearby Words

lockhole
lock horns
lock hospital
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lock horns.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lock%20horns. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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