la impasse

Impasse is a French word that can be used both in a literal and figurative sense.

Meaning:

1. Literal meaning:
   An impasse is a blind alley or a dead-end street, meaning a street or path with no exit or outlet.

2. Figurative meaning:
   It denotes a situation where progress is impossible or a deadlock, often in negotiations, discussions, or conflicts where no agreement or solution can be reached.

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Parts of the word:

• "im-": a prefix meaning "not" or "without"
• "passe": from passer, meaning to pass or go through

So literally, it means "no passage," which ties well with both the literal dead-end street and the figurative deadlock meanings.

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Synonyms:

• For the figurative sense: stalemate, deadlock, standstill, gridlock
• For the literal sense: cul-de-sac, dead end, blind alley

Antonyms:

• For the figurative sense: breakthrough, agreement, solution, resolution
• For the literal sense: open road, thoroughfare, avenue

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In English, impasse is also used in the figurative sense primarily, meaning a situation where no progress can be made.