break a deadlock

USAGE SUMMARY

"break a deadlock" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It means to resolve a situation where opposing sides cannot come to an agreement or decision. Example: The negotiations between the two countries were at a standstill, but the third party was able to break the deadlock by proposing a compromise both sides could agree on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

IT IS supposed to break a deadlock.

The Economist

In Durban, Brazilian diplomats used a smart twist of phrase to break a deadlock over the legal form of the 2015 climate agreement.

The Guardian

But Governor Paterson announced in January that he had selected Aqueduct Entertainment Group to break a deadlock in the State Legislature.

The New York Times

The European Union decided Friday to hold an emergency summit meeting the following Thursday to try to break a deadlock over a second bailout plan for Greece.

The New York Times

But this goal, to break a deadlock in the final seconds against Iran, ranks as my most clutch moment of the tournament.

The New Yorker

His way of operating is to wait for consensus to form in debates and step in only when he has to in order to break a deadlock.

The Economist

Maruti Suzuki India continues to be embroiled in a crisis after the company and its agitating workers failed to break a deadlock on Monday (Indian Express).

The New York Times

And he made a deal with Democrats to break a deadlock on judicial nominations that many on the right considered near treasonous.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The 3-2 decision breaks a deadlock that had plagued the commission.

The New York Times

In 1925 two German parties, the Agrarians and the Christian Socialists, joined the government majority, thus breaking a deadlock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The American oil company Williams and Yukos of Russia broke a deadlock in talks over a Lithuanian refinery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "break a deadlock" when you want to emphasize the act of overcoming a standstill or impasse, particularly in negotiations, political situations, or disputes. It suggests a decisive action that allows progress to resume.

Common error

Avoid using "break a deadlock" in situations where there isn't a true standstill or conflict. For example, don't use it to describe simply making a decision or completing a task, as the phrase implies overcoming a significant obstacle or disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break a deadlock" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe the action of resolving a situation where progress has been halted due to an inability to reach an agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break a deadlock" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of resolving a stalemate or impasse. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently employed in news and media contexts to report on situations where progress has been stalled and requires decisive action to resume. While it can be used in various registers, it is particularly fitting for neutral and professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a situation involving a genuine standstill requiring resolution, and consider alternatives such as "resolve an impasse" or "overcome a stalemate" to tailor your message effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve an impasse

This alternative focuses on the resolution of a situation where no progress is being made.

overcome a stalemate

This phrase emphasizes the act of conquering a situation where neither side can move forward.

end the gridlock

This option uses "gridlock" to describe the state of inactivity or blockage, focusing on bringing it to an end.

settle a dispute

This focuses on resolving a conflict or disagreement that has led to a standstill.

mediate a solution

This suggests the use of a third party to find a solution to the deadlock.

find a compromise

This highlights the act of reaching an agreement through mutual concessions.

forge a consensus

This alternative suggests building agreement among differing parties to overcome the deadlock.

unlock the situation

This phrase employs the metaphor of unlocking to suggest freeing the situation from its stagnant state.

de-escalate the conflict

This focuses on reducing the intensity of the conflict that is causing the deadlock.

facilitate an agreement

This implies making it easier for an agreement to be reached, thereby ending the deadlock.

FAQs

How can I use "break a deadlock" in a sentence?

You can use "break a deadlock" to describe actions taken to resolve a standstill, such as: "The mediator proposed a new strategy to break a deadlock in the negotiations." or "The new policy is intended to break a deadlock on the environmental regulations."

What are some alternative phrases for "break a deadlock"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve an impasse", "overcome a stalemate", or "end the gridlock depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "break a deadlock" or "resolve a deadlock"?

Both "break a deadlock" and "resolve a deadlock" are acceptable. "Break a deadlock" emphasizes the action of overcoming the standstill, while "resolve a deadlock" focuses on finding a solution. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What kind of situations is "break a deadlock" typically used to describe?

"Break a deadlock" is often used to describe situations involving negotiations, political disputes, labor relations, and legal proceedings where progress is stalled due to opposing viewpoints or lack of agreement.