butt heads
Clash over differences
To butt heads is to clash or come into conflict, especially through stubborn disagreement: The two executives constantly butt heads over budget priorities.
The image comes from rams or goats ramming their heads together in confrontation.
The phrase usually implies ongoing friction rather than a single argument.
Violent disagreement or collision
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
disagreement · argument · face-off · showdown · standoff · friction · tension · opposition
Verbally oppose another's view
- debateFormal argument on issues
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- dissentDisagreement with authority
- differBe unlike another
oppose · contend · challenge · object · contradict · counter · rebut · spar
Firmly refusing to yield
- headstrongStubbornly self-willed
- bullheadedStubbornly refusing to yield
- pigheadedStubbornly refusing to yield
- mulishStubbornly refusing to yield
unyielding · inflexible · intransigent · uncompromising · willful · adamant · immovable · dogged
clash
Violent disagreement or collision
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
quarrel · disagreement · argument · face-off · showdown · standoff · friction · tension · opposition · contention
argue
Verbally oppose another's view
- debateFormal argument on issues
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- dissentDisagreement with authority
differ · oppose · contend · challenge · object · contradict · counter · rebut · spar · bicker
obstinate
Firmly refusing to yield
- headstrongStubbornly self-willed
- bullheadedStubbornly refusing to yield
- pigheadedStubbornly refusing to yield
mulish · unyielding · inflexible · intransigent · uncompromising · willful · adamant · immovable · dogged · tenacious
butt headsget along
Maintain friendly relations
see eye to eye · agree · harmonize · mesh · click
butt headscooperate
Work jointly with others
collaborate · work together · join forces · team up · pull together
butt headsback down
Withdraw from a stance
let it go · turn the other cheek · keep the peace · go along to get along · yield