impasse

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.

See also: come, impasse

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."

See also: impasse, reach

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.

See also: come, impasse

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.

See also: impasse, reach