What is a synonym for the phrase 'at odds' with someone or something?

I am writing a book and looking for some kind of figurative language to describe two people that are 'at odds' with each other.

When I say, 'at odds,' the context of my writing is: two characters that are constantly butting heads, one of whom doesn't trust the other, and so the relationship between the characters is always rough around the edges. They tend to find that they are on opposite sides of the argument in their small group of friends almost every time.

I think some kind of simile, metaphor, or other colorful language would be more appropriate in my writing, and I am coming up empty trying to collect some phrases that might be good substitutes. Thanks!

Solution 1:

I think a suitable synonymous phrase is to be 'at loggerheads'.

Meaning - In dispute with.

The origin of the phrase 'At loggerheads' ......'At loggerheads' is of UK origin. The singular 'loggerhead' occurs as a name in several contexts - as a species of turtle, a bird and as a place name. Originally, a loggerhead was none of these but was used with the meaning of 'a stupid person - a blockhead'. Shakespeare used it that way in Love's Labours Lost, 1588: ... (more --->

Phrases.org

UK Corporate Bond Markets at Loggerheads over Sunak Stimulus

Global Capital 09 July 2020

Solution 2:

In terms of actual idioms, I will present two that show opposite sides of the spectrum—the second is what you're looking for.

Always agree

People who normally agree over most things get on like a house on fire:

[Collins Dictionary]
If two people get on like a house on fire, they quickly become close friends, for example because they have many interests in common.

Always disagree

People who normally disagree and clash over most things are like oil and water:

[Collins Dictionary]
two people who are like oil and water are very different from each other
He and the General did not get along. The two were like oil and water together.

Solution 3:

At odds is commonly used to describe two parties who are in conflict with each other.

Especially when it comes to people, incompatible can be used to describe two people who cannot get along with each other. This doesn't mean that the two people don't have a relationship with each other; couples (boyfriend/girlfriend) are commonly referred to as incompatible if they constantly fight/argue.

You could say that they are constantly clashing with each other.

Another word that could work well is to describe their relationship as inharmonious.

I don't know if there's a perfect figure of speech or phrase, but you could say:

Tommy and Alice are completely incompatible, they constantly butt heads. Alice doesn't trust Tommy, even. They always clash in arguments. Overall, their relationship is very bumpy and inharmonious.