noun
three-way deadlock; trilemma
Refers to a situation where three parties are mutually restraining each other, like rock-paper-scissors. Originates from the snake fearing the slug, the slug the frog, and the frog the snake.
この問題は三すくみの状態で、誰も動けない。
This problem is in a three-way deadlock, and no one can make a move.
じゃんけんは三すくみの関係を表している。
Rock-paper-scissors represents a three-way deadlock relationship.
にらみ合い is a standoff or staring contest between two parties, while 三すくみ specifically involves three parties in mutual restraint.
From the traditional Japanese motif of the snake fearing the slug, the slug the frog, and the frog the snake, forming a three-way deadlock. The kanji 三 means 'three', and すくみ comes from 竦む (すくむ), meaning 'to freeze' or 'to be paralyzed'.