IMPASSE
NOUNS
► MEXICAN STANDOFF an impasse, deadlock; an impasse resolved by the backing down of one or both parties; a contest without a clear-cut victory for either side; a hopeless staring match → 1891 Amer. dial.
PHRASES
► DUN IS IN THE MIRE things are at a standstill; there is an impasse or deadlock → c1405 obs.
VERBS
► DRAW DUN OUT OF THE MIRE to resolve an impasse or deadlock → 1599 obs.
Lexicophilia 