loggerhead

Everyday

1. To be «at loggerheads» with someone is to disagree strongly and argue with them. tree →
2. A loggerhead turtle is a large sea turtle with a big head. tree →
3. (old) A loggerhead was an old word for a stupid person. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk and news: two people or groups are «at loggerheads» over something. In science: loggerhead turtles lay eggs on beaches and are protected.

Examples

• The two neighbours are at loggerheads over the fence. tree →
• My brother and I were at loggerheads about the TV. tree →
• Loggerhead turtles nest on warm beaches. tree →
• A loggerhead turtle can live for over 50 years. tree →
• The councils have been at loggerheads for months. tree →
• Plastic in the sea harms loggerhead turtles. tree →

Note

The phrase is always plural: «at loggerheads». In nature, «loggerhead» is short for loggerhead turtle (also a loggerhead shrike, a bird).