dead end
Plural
dead ends
1
a situation that shows no signs of progress or improvement
The idiom "dead end" is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century, and was originally used to describe a street or road that has no outlet or exit. It is often used to describe a situation where someone has reached a point where there is no way forward, or where further efforts are unlikely to be successful.
- He has tried every avenue to find a job in his field, but he's come to a dead end.
- The company's outdated business model has led it to a dead end in the market.
- The negotiations have reached a dead end, with no progress made on either side.
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2
a street with no exit, closed at one end
A dead end is a road or street that does not lead to another road or path. It is a street that ends without any way to continue driving forward, forcing drivers to turn around and go back the way they came. Dead ends are typically found in residential areas or at the ends of neighborhoods, and they often create a quieter environment because they do not have passing traffic. These roads may be designed for limited access or to reduce traffic in certain areas.
- The kids played safely in the dead end.
- She realized she was lost when she reached the dead end.
- He turned the car around when they reached the dead end.
- They lived at the end of a quiet dead end road.
- The dead end was perfect for their private garden.
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