stand off
Neither side yields
Stand off means to maintain distance or resist approach.
Ships stand off from shore to avoid hazards.
In confrontations, to stand off is to hold one's position without engaging: The protesters stood off from the police line.
Stand off can also mean to keep someone at a distance socially—remaining aloof or reserved: She tends to stand off from new colleagues. (The noun standoff, usually one word, is a deadlock or impasse.)
Direct hostile encounter
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- deadlockMutual blocking, no progress
- impasseSituation without resolution
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
dispute · clash · tension · opposition · hostility · rivalry · contention · antagonism
Remain at distance
Away from land
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
- hold positionKeep current placement
- heave toHalt a vessel deliberately
- ride outEndure until conditions improve
confrontation
Direct hostile encounter
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- deadlockMutual blocking, no progress
- impasseSituation without resolution
showdown · dispute · clash · tension · opposition · hostility · rivalry · contention · antagonism · siege
keep away
Remain at distance
keep at bay · keep clear · step back · buffer · separation
offshore
Away from land
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
- hold positionKeep current placement
- heave toHalt a vessel deliberately
stand offresolution
Formal decision or determination
agreement · settlement · breakthrough · compromise · accord
stand offwarmth
Heat you feel
friendliness · approachability · openness · cordiality · geniality