show stopper
Brings down house
A show stopper is something so impressive or problematic that it stops everything else.
Originally theatrical—a performance so spectacular the show pauses for applause: Her solo was a real show stopper.
Now commonly describes a critical flaw that halts progress: The security vulnerability was a show stopper for the deal.
Also spelled showstopper.
Strikingly impressive to behold
- breathtakingAstonishingly beautiful or exciting
- dazzlingOverwhelmingly bright or impressive
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- jaw-droppingExtremely surprising or impressive
sensational · showpiece · crowd-pleaser · tour de force · knockout · standing ovation · thunderous applause · encore
Something that obstructs
- dealbreakerUnacceptable condition that ends talks
- snagUnforeseen complication
- roadblockObstruction across a road
- bottleneckConstriction limiting throughput
setback · complication · hurdle · stumbling block · impasse · hindrance · barrier · fatal flaw
spectacular
Strikingly impressive to behold
- breathtakingAstonishingly beautiful or exciting
- dazzlingOverwhelmingly bright or impressive
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
jaw-dropping · sensational · showpiece · crowd-pleaser · tour de force · knockout · standing ovation · thunderous applause · encore · curtain call
blocker
Something that obstructs
- dealbreakerUnacceptable condition that ends talks
- snagUnforeseen complication
- roadblockObstruction across a road
bottleneck · setback · complication · hurdle · stumbling block · impasse · hindrance · barrier · fatal flaw · holdup
- takeovershostile takeover, hostile bid, tender offer, takeover bid, corporate raider
- Nailed Itnailed it, crushed it, aced it, slam dunk, hole in one
- theaterplays, stage, play, onstage, acting