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dead end
/ˈdɛd ɛnd/
a street or path with no exit
The car turned into a dead end and had to reverse.
The street had no exit, so the driver had to back out.
informal
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.
informal
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
hit a dead endreach a point where no progress is possiblego down a dead endpursue a path that leads to no solution
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.
Word Breakdown
dead
having no life or movement
adjectiveend
the final point or conclusion
nounEnglish Dictionary