broken the deadlock
Resolved the impasse
Broken the deadlock means to have resolved an impasse or stalemate where opposing sides were stuck.
A deadlock is a situation where no progress is possible because neither party will yield.
Breaking it means finding a way forward: After weeks of failed negotiations, a surprise compromise broken the deadlock.
The phrase appears most often in contexts of negotiation, diplomacy, or competitive standoffs.
- bargainingNegotiating mutually acceptable terms
- opening gambitInitial strategic maneuver
- give and takeMutual concession between parties
- votingFormally registering a choice
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
concessions · compromise · common ground · brainstorming · reconciliation · dialogue · peacebuilding · diplomacy · mutual understanding · consensus-building · dispute resolution · olive branch · stalemate · arbitration · trade-offs · impasse · cooperation · breakthrough
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