袋小路
Meanings
1
dead end; cul-de-sac; blind alley
Refers to a physical street or path that ends with no exit.
This road is a dead end, so let's turn back.
2
Figurative use for a situation where no progress can be made, such as in negotiations or problem-solving.
The negotiations have reached an impasse.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉が袋小路になっているa place is a dead end
This road turns into a dead end further ahead.
- 〈事〉が袋小路に陥るa matter falls into a deadlock
The negotiations fell into a deadlock.
- 袋小路に入り込むto wander into a dead end / get stuck in an impasse
We drove into a dead-end street and had no choice but to turn back.
- 袋小路から抜け出すto break out of an impasse
A new perspective is needed to break the discussion out of its deadlock.