purpose : Idioms & Phrases

Index

all-purpose

  • adjective satellite not limited in use or function
    all-purpose.
WordNet

Cross purpose

  • . See Cross-purpose, in the Vocabulary.
Webster 1913

cross-purpose

  • noun a contrary aim
    • at cross-purposes
WordNet
Cross"-pur`pose noun
Definitions
  1. A counter or opposing purpose; hence, that which is inconsistent or contradictory. Shaftesbury.
  2. pl. A conversational game, in which questions and answers are made so as to involve ludicrous combinations of ideas. Pepys.
Webster 1913

firmness of purpose

  • noun the trait of being resolute
    resoluteness; resolve; resolution; firmness.
    • his resoluteness carried him through the battle
    • it was his unshakeable resolution to finish the work
WordNet

for all intents and purposes

  • adverb in every practical sense
    for all intents and purposes; for all practical purposes.
    • to all intents and purposes the case is closed
    • the rest are for all practical purposes useless
WordNet

for all practical purposes

  • adverb in every practical sense
    for all intents and purposes; for all practical purposes.
    • to all intents and purposes the case is closed
    • the rest are for all practical purposes useless
WordNet

general-purpose

  • adjective satellite not limited in use or function
    all-purpose.
WordNet

general-purpose bomb

  • noun a large bomb (500 to 2,000 pounds that is 50% explosive) whose explosion creates a blast and whose metal casing creates some fragmentation effect
    GP bomb.
WordNet

In purpose, Of purpose, On purpose

  • with previous design; with the mind directed to that object; intentionally. On purpose is the form now generally used.
Webster 1913

on purpose

  • adverb with intention; in an intentional manner
    designedly; advisedly; by choice; intentionally; by design; deliberately; purposely.
    • he used that word intentionally
    • I did this by choice
WordNet

purpose-built

  • adjective satellite designed and constructed to serve a particular purpose
    purpose-built.
WordNet

purpose-made

  • adjective satellite designed and constructed to serve a particular purpose
    purpose-built.
WordNet

sense of purpose

  • noun the quality of having a definite purpose
    purposefulness.
WordNet

To all intents, and purposes

  • in all applications or senses; practically; really; virtually; essentially. "He was miserable to all intents and purpose."
Webster 1913

to all intents and purposes

  • adverb in every practical sense
    for all intents and purposes; for all practical purposes.
    • to all intents and purposes the case is closed
    • the rest are for all practical purposes useless
WordNet

To be at cross-purposes

  • to misunderstand or to act counter to one another without intending it; said of persons.
Webster 1913