impasse
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at an impasse
At a point or problem that is insurmountable or from which there is no possible exit, progress, or negotiation. After hours of bitter debate, the two parties were at an impasse, and the discussion was left for the following day.
See also: impasse
come to an impasse
To reach a point or problem that is insurmountable or from which there is no possible exit, progress, or negotiation. After hours of bitter debate, the two parties came to an impasse, and the discussion was left for the following day.
reach an impasse
To come to a point past which no further progress is able to be made. After three days of negotiations, we reached an impasse when it came to the matter of increased pay for staff. A: "My client is absolutely unwilling to compromise on this issue." B: "Then it looks as though we've reached an impasse."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
come to an impasse
Fig. to reach a deadlock, stalemate, etc., in a situation. (Alludes to a blocked roadway.) The committee has come to an impasse in its deliberations.
reach an impasse
to progress to the point that a barrier stops further progress. When negotiations with management reached an impasse, the union went on strike. The discussion reached an impasse and no one was able to propose a compromise.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.