run into the sand

To be stymied, obstructed, or foiled; to reach a point where one cannot make any further progress. Peace talks ran into the sand last night, and many fear that an all-out war is now all but certain. The young company showed great promise and began making some real growth, but recently they've run into the sand.

run into the sand

come to nothing.

1994 Sunday Times The Ulster Unionists…are angry because they gave reluctant support to December's initiative and it now seems to be running into the sand.