The phrase "locks horns with" means to get into a conflict or argument with someone. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /lɒks hɔːnz wɪð/. The beginning "L" sound is a voiced alveolar lateral consonant. The "o" in "locks" is pronounced as a short vowel sound, while the "a" in "horns" is a long vowel sound. "With" is pronounced with a voiced dental fricative "th" sound. Altogether, the phonetic transcription provides a clear guide for the correct pronunciation of "locks horns with."
The phrase "locks horns with" is an idiomatic expression derived from the behavior of actual horned animals engaging in physical combat. When individuals or groups "lock horns with" each other, they engage in a fierce, confrontational clash or conflict. This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a verbal or intellectual battle between two opposing forces or individuals who vigorously assert their differing opinions or beliefs.
In a figurative sense, "locks horns with" implies a direct confrontation marked by stubbornness, disagreement, or a clash of ideas or interests. It suggests a fierce determination to defend one's position or challenge another's, often resulting in a heated and intense exchange of arguments, accusations, or opposing views. This phrase conveys a sense of a head-on collision between two powerful entities, where neither side is willing to back down or compromise.
The expression "locks horns with" is commonly employed in various contexts, such as politics, business negotiations, legal disputes, or personal conflicts. It implies a level of intensity and persistence in one's engagement with an adversary, suggesting a commitment to engaging and challenging them directly. "Locking horns" is not merely a superficial disagreement, but rather a deep-rooted clash of ideologies or conflicting interests that may require considerable effort, time, and influence to resolve.