break the deadlock
End the stalemate
To break the deadlock is to end a stalemate or impasse where opposing sides cannot move forward.
Deadlocks occur in negotiations, votes, competitions, or any situation where balanced forces prevent progress.
Breaking one means finding a way through: A last-minute compromise broke the deadlock.
Her goal in extra time broke the deadlock.
- impasseSituation without resolution
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- solutionAnswer or liquid mixture
- game-changerSomething transforming everything
- move the needleProduce observable effect
last-ditch effort · compromise · come to terms · tie · breakthrough · draw · settlement · agreement · pivot · turning point · deadlock · dialogue · peace talks · arbitration · conciliation · find common ground · catalyst · stalemate
break the deadlockkick the can down the road
Postpone addressing an issue
break the deadlockgrind to a halt
Gradually cease all motion
bring to a halt · stonewall · filibuster · throw a wrench in the works · put the brakes on
break the deadlockstall
Enclosed compartment or delay
stonewall · drag one's feet · tread water · spin one's wheels · go nowhere
break, breaks, breaking, breaker, breakers, breakage, outbreak, breakdown, dead