平行線
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Meanings
1
parallel lines
Geometric sense: two or more lines that never intersect.
These two lines are parallel lines.
2
remaining far apart; not reaching an agreement; views that never cross
Figurative use: describes discussions, opinions, or positions that stay separate and never converge toward agreement.
The negotiations remain at an impasse, with both sides far apart.
Their opinions never met; they just stayed parallel.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉は平行線をたどるfor a discussion or negotiation to remain deadlocked, with neither side giving ground
The negotiations remained deadlocked.
- 〈物〉が平行線を描くfor objects or lines to form parallel lines
The two rails form parallel lines.
- 〈事〉が平行線に終わるfor talks to end without reaching any agreement
The talks ended without either side budging.