( cross-currents)
Note: in AM, also use 'crosscurrent'
1.
A cross-current is a current in a river or sea that flows across another current.
Cross-currents can sweep the strongest swimmer helplessly away.
N-COUNT : usu pl
2.
You can refer to conflicting ideas or traditions as cross-currents .
...the cross-currents within the Conservative Party.
N-COUNT : usu pl , usu with supp