Arguing or fighting in a very intense or aggressive way.
Being in constant conflict, often with little patience left.
🧠 Example Sentences
The two managers were at each other’s throats all morning over how to handle the customer complaints.
The support team and sales team were at each other’s throats after a mix-up caused delays for a major client.
She and her colleague were at each other’s throats during the meeting because they disagreed on how to resolve the conflict.
🏛️ Origin
This expression comes from the image of two animals or people attacking each other by going for the throat. It now describes people who argue fiercely or seem ready to explode during a conflict.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
The two department heads were __________ after the report showed mistakes on both sides.
Answer
at each other’s throats
2. Choose the correct answer:
If two colleagues are “at each other’s throats,” they are:
a) Working well together
b) In a calm discussion
c) Fighting or arguing intensely
Answer
c) Fighting or arguing intensely
3. Change the sentence using “at each other’s throats”:
“The team members argued non-stop about who caused the conflict.”
Answer
The team members were at each other’s throats about who caused the conflict.
To get into a serious disagreement or argument with someone.
To challenge another person’s ideas or decisions in a direct way.
🧠 Example Sentences
The finance director and operations manager often cross swords during budget meetings.
She crossed swords with a client who felt the contract terms were unclear.
Two team leaders crossed swords over who should handle the conflict with an unhappy customer.
🏛️ Origin
The idiom comes from fencing and sword fighting. When two fighters touch or cross their swords, they enter a duel. This is now a metaphor for people who “fight” with words, arguing, debating, or challenging each other’s views.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
Our department often ________ with management about workload and priorities.
Answer
crosses swords
2. Choose the correct answer:
To “cross swords” with someone means to:
a) Avoid discussing problems
b) Enter a disagreement or argument
c) Work quietly together
Answer
b) Enter a disagreement or argument
3. Change the sentence using “cross swords”:
“The managers argued about how to solve the conflict between two teams.”
Answer
The managers crossed swords over how to solve the conflict between the two teams.
To strongly disagree with someone, especially in a discussion or meeting.
To argue or come into conflict because of different opinions.
🧠 Example Sentences
The marketing and product teams often clash heads over how to present new features.
She clashed heads with her manager about how to handle a client complaint.
Two project leads clashed heads during the planning session about deadlines.
🏛️ Origin
“Clash heads” comes from the idea of people (or animals) physically hitting their heads together during a fight. Over time, the phrase became a metaphor for strong disagreements, especially when two people are both confident in their opinions and refuse to step back.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
The team often ________ when they discuss how to solve customer issues.
Answer
clash heads
2. Choose the correct answer:
If two colleagues “clash heads,” they:
a) Work quietly together
b) Have a strong disagreement
c) Avoid each other completely
Answer
b) Have a strong disagreement
3. Change the sentence using “clash heads”:
“The supervisors argued about the new office rules.”
Answer
The supervisors clashed heads over the new office rules.
To get into a serious argument or conflict with someone.
To strongly oppose another person’s ideas or decisions.
🧠 Example Sentences
The HR manager and the team leader often lock horns over how to handle employee complaints.
Two department heads locked horns during the meeting about who should manage the new project.
The company has locked horns with a supplier over repeated delivery mistakes.
🏛️ Origin
The idiom comes from the way animals such as bulls or deer fight by pushing their horns together. This physical clash became a saying for people who argue fiercely or refuse to back down in a disagreement.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
Our customer service team often ________ with the IT department about response times.
Answer
locks horns
2. Choose the correct answer:
To “lock horns” with someone means to:
a) Work quietly with them
b) Avoid any discussion
c) Enter a strong disagreement
Answer
c) Enter a strong disagreement
3. Change the sentence using “lock horns”:
“The directors disagreed strongly during the budget review.”
Answer
The directors locked horns during the budget review.
To be in a serious conflict where neither side wants to back down.
🧠 Example Sentences
The sales and finance teams are at loggerheads over how to price the new service.
She has been at loggerheads with her supervisor about the changes to her schedule.
The company is at loggerheads with a major client over contract terms.
🏛️ Origin
The idiom goes back to the 1600s. A “loggerhead” was a tool or long iron rod used for heating or mixing. When two people fought, it was said they were clashing like two loggerheads being struck together. Over time it became a figurative way to describe people in strong disagreement.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
The project leads are ________ about which direction the team should take.
Answer
at loggerheads
2. Choose the correct answer:
If two colleagues are “at loggerheads,” they:
a) Work extremely well together
b) Have a serious disagreement
c) Never speak to each other
Answer
b) Have a serious disagreement
3. Change the sentence using “at loggerheads”:
“The managers cannot agree on the new holiday policy.”
Answer
The managers are at loggerheads over the new holiday policy.
To disagree or be in conflict with someone or something.
To be at variance or not in harmony with an idea, decision, or person.
🧠 Example Sentences
The two departments are at odds with each other over the project’s budget.
He was at odds with his manager about the best way to resolve the client complaint.
The new policy is at odds with the company’s earlier commitment to work–life balance.
🏛️ Origin
This idiom comes from the notion of “odds,” which refers to chance or probability. By the 1600s, “at odds” began to be used to mean being opposed or conflicting. As if two sides are pitted against each other like in a bet.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
Our team is ________ with management about what the deadline should be.
Answer
at odds
2. Choose the correct answer:
If you are “at odds with” someone, you:
a) Work closely together
b) Disagree strongly
c) Ignore each other
Answer
b) Disagree strongly
3. Change the sentence using “at odds with”:
“The marketing strategy does not match the company’s long-term goals.”
Answer
The marketing strategy is at odds with the company’s long-term goals.
Disagreements happen in every workplace — what matters is how you handle them. My Workplace Conflict and Resolution vocabulary list gives you powerful Business English words and phrases to discuss problems, solutions, and teamwork calmly and professionally.
You’ll find 60 useful terms and expressions, divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Use them to talk about negotiation, mediation, compromise, and communication in meetings or HR discussions.
Beginner – Workplace Conflict and Resolution Vocabulary
Word
Meaning
Example Sentence
Fight
To take part in a violent struggle involving physical force.
They had a fight over the project.
Argue
To give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, typically with the aim of persuading others to share one’s view.
They argue about the best approach.
Problem
A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.
We have a problem with the deadline.
Disagree
To have or express a different opinion.
We disagree on the solution.
Talk
To communicate or exchange ideas by spoken words.
Let’s talk about the issue.
Listen
To give one’s attention to a sound.
Please listen to each other.
Stop
To bring or come to an end.
We need to stop the argument.
Share
To have or use something at the same time as someone else.
Let’s share our ideas.
Fair
In accordance with the rules or standards; just or unbiased.
We need a fair solution.
Help
To give assistance or support to.
Let’s help each other.
workplace conflict and resolution vocabulary
Intermediate Workplace Conflict and Resolution Vocabulary
Word
Meaning
Example Sentence
Dispute
A disagreement, argument, or debate.
There is a dispute between the teams.
Conflict
A serious disagreement or argument.
The conflict needs to be resolved.
Negotiate
To obtain or bring about by discussion.
They need to negotiate a compromise.
Mediate
To intervene between people in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation.
We will mediate the discussion.
Compromise
An agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.
We need to find a compromise.
Tension
Mental or emotional strain.
There is a lot of tension in the office.
Resolve
To settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter).
We need to resolve the issue quickly.
Agreement
An arrangement, a promise, or a contract made with somebody.
We reached an agreement.
Misunderstanding
A failure to understand something correctly.
There was a misunderstanding between them.
Discuss
To talk about (something) with another person or group of people.
Let’s discuss the problem in detail.
workplace conflict and resolution vocabulary
Advanced Workplace Conflict and Resolution Vocabulary
Word/Phrase
Meaning
Example Sentence
Arbitration
The use of an arbitrator to settle a dispute.
They agreed to arbitration to resolve the issue.
Conciliation
The action of stopping someone from being angry; placation.
Conciliation was necessary to mend the relationship.
Escalation
An increase in the intensity or seriousness of something; an intensification.
We need to prevent the escalation of the conflict.
De-escalate
To reduce the intensity of (a conflict or situation).
We need to de-escalate the situation immediately.
Impasse
A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock.
The negotiation reached an impasse.
Grievance
A real or imagined wrong or other cause for complaint or protest.
He filed a grievance against his manager.
Reconciliation
The restoration of friendly relations.
Reconciliation is the goal of our meeting.
Stakeholder
A person with an interest or concern in something, especially a business.
We need to consider all stakeholder interests.
Mediation Process
A structured, interactive process where an impartial third party assists disputing parties in resolving conflict through specialized communication and negotiation techniques.2
The mediation process was long, but effective.
Constructive Dialogue
A conversation aimed at finding a solution or reaching an understanding.
We need to have a constructive dialogue to move forward.
Conflict is a natural part of workplace life, whether it arises from differences in opinion, competition, or misunderstandings. In this post, we’ll explore practical conflict and conflict resolution idioms that highlight disagreements, negotiations, and finding common ground.
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