Pull in different/opposite directions
phrase
To have different goals or aims that conflict with each other.
The team members were pulling in different directions because they couldn't agree on the project's objective.
Often appears as...
- people pull in different directions
- pulling in opposite directions
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To work against each other instead of working together.
Their marriage started to fall apart because they were always pulling in opposite directions.
Often appears as...
- couple pull in opposite directions
- pulling in different directions
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To have different goals or aims that conflict with each other.
The team members were pulling in different directions because they couldn't agree on the project's objective.
Often appears as...
- people pull in different directions
- pulling in opposite directions
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To work against each other instead of working together.
Their marriage started to fall apart because they were always pulling in opposite directions.
Often appears as...
- couple pull in opposite directions
- pulling in different directions
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Conflicting Goals
Indicates that people or groups have aims which obstruct each other, creating a metaphorical tug of war.
The committee was pulling in different directions, leading to a stalemate on decisions.
Pro Tip 2/3Divergent Approaches
Used when individuals or parties approach a situation or goal in ways that are not only different but incompatible.
The peace talks failed because the involved parties were pulling in opposite directions.
Pro Tip 3/3No Unified Strategy
Implies the absence of a shared strategy or consensus, often leading to confusion or inefficiency.
The campaign faltered because their strategies were pulling in different directions.
Pro Tip 1/3Conflicting Goals
Indicates that people or groups have aims which obstruct each other, creating a metaphorical tug of war.
The committee was pulling in different directions, leading to a stalemate on decisions.
Pro Tip 2/3Divergent Approaches
Used when individuals or parties approach a situation or goal in ways that are not only different but incompatible.
The peace talks failed because the involved parties were pulling in opposite directions.
Pro Tip 3/3No Unified Strategy
Implies the absence of a shared strategy or consensus, often leading to confusion or inefficiency.
The campaign faltered because their strategies were pulling in different directions.
Pro Tip 1/3Conflicting Goals
Indicates that people or groups have aims which obstruct each other, creating a metaphorical tug of war.
The committee was pulling in different directions, leading to a stalemate on decisions.
Pro Tip 2/3Divergent Approaches
Used when individuals or parties approach a situation or goal in ways that are not only different but incompatible.
The peace talks failed because the involved parties were pulling in opposite directions.
Pro Tip 3/3No Unified Strategy
Implies the absence of a shared strategy or consensus, often leading to confusion or inefficiency.
The campaign faltered because their strategies were pulling in different directions.
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