deadlock
n[C, U]
complete failure to reach agreement or to settle a quarrel or grievance 僵局
The negotiations have reached deadlock. 谈判陷入僵局.
We can only make minor concessions, but it might break the deadlock, ie allow a compromise. 我们只能做些较小的让步, 但这就可能打破僵局.
Pierre and I borrowed the money and bought the necklace. During the next ten years we both worked day and night to pay back the money we had borrowed. That's why I now look so old. Well, after all these years we've at last paid back all the money.