dead end
/ˈdɛd ɛnd/A street or path that ends abruptly with no exit or continuation.
We got lost and ended up in a dead end.
We took a wrong turn and reached a street with no way out.
Often used literally for streets or paths, but can also be used figuratively to describe a situation with no solution.
A situation or course of action with no successful outcome or continuation.
The project hit a dead end after funding was cut.
The project could not continue because it lost financial support.
Figurative use is common in business, problem-solving, and general conversation.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Remember that 'dead end' can describe both physical streets and metaphorical situations where progress is impossible.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Confusion
Do not confuse 'dead end' with 'cul-de-sac,' which is a planned street design, while 'dead end' often implies an unintended or problematic situation.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'dede ende,' meaning a street or path that ends abruptly. The figurative sense developed in the 20th century.
📝Usage Notes
The phrase is commonly used in both literal (physical) and figurative (situational) contexts. In British English, 'cul-de-sac' is a more formal alternative.