DEADLOCK
NOUNS
► MEXICAN STANDOFF a deadlock, an impasse; an impasse resolved by the backing down of one or both parties → 1891 Amer. dial.
PHRASES
► DUN IS IN THE MIRE there is deadlock or an impasse; things are at a standstill → c1405 obs.
VERBS
► DRAW DUN OUT OF THE MIRE to resolve a deadlock or an impasse → 1599 obs.
Lexicophilia 