cross wires

== English == === Etymology 1 === From the way two electrical wires that cross can create a short circuit. ==== Verb ==== cross wires (third-person singular simple present crosses wires, present participle crossing wires, simple past and past participle crossed wires) To cause difficulty; to interact in a way that generates conflict. === Etymology 2 === Possibly a back formation from get one's wires crossed. ==== Verb ==== cross wires (third-person singular simple present crosses wires, present participle crossing wires, simple past and past participle crossed wires) To interact in a way that causes confusion or interference. === Etymology 3 === From the use of fine wires placed perpendicular to each other in the optical pieces of telescopes. ==== Alternative forms ==== cross-wires ==== Noun ==== cross wires pl (plural only) Synonym of reticle. ==== See also ==== cross-wiring