break through the deadlock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break through the deadlock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where progress is being made after a period of stagnation or impasse, often in negotiations or problem-solving contexts. Example: "After hours of discussion, the team finally managed to break through the deadlock and reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So would Mr. Christie, who would have made the case for pragmatic but bold leadership that could break through the deadlock in Washington.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Miliband and Ms. Ayittey "will be undertaking intensive consultations aimed at breaking through the deadlock on one of the toughest issues on the table in Copenhagen," the British government said.

The New York Times - Science

Excluded from the cabinet, Churchill's role was almost entirely administrative, but his dynamic energies thrown behind the development and production of the tank (which he had initiated at the Admiralty) greatly speeded up the use of the weapon that broke through the deadlock on the Western Front.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With neither team able to break the deadlock through the first 20 minutes of the second half, the Knights finally broke through one minute later on a goal on a left-footed shot from Max Marken off a pass from Cade Johnson to make it 1-0.

Los Angeles Times

Mr. Ross's mission was regarded as an 11th-hour attempt to break the deadlock through quiet diplomacy.

The New York Times

"We are interested in trying to break the deadlock and find ways through some of the issues raised in Copenhagen," he said.

Independent

One was a block to deny Vaclav Kadlec, who ran through unchallenged, just 56 seconds before United broke the deadlock through Depay's close-range finish from Lingard's cross.

BBC

Osborne's investment in sewage pipes, roads, schools and other infrastructure will be used as bargaining chips to break through any deadlock.

The Guardian - Arts

A strategy in business negotiation known as MESOs, which stands for multiple equivalent simultaneous offers, may help you break through your deadlock and find common ground, according to professor Victoria Husted Medvec of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and Adam D. Galinsky of Columbia Business School.

Harvard University

The Heed broke the deadlock through Alex Rodman who headed home Matty Pattison's cross just before the break.

BBC

Such a coalition could break through the inertia and subterfuge now deadlocking the negotiations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break through the deadlock", ensure the context clearly establishes the previous state of impasse. Using it effectively signals a positive shift towards resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "break through the deadlock" when simply initiating a discussion. This phrase implies that a significant barrier or disagreement already exists and is now being overcome, which might not be the case if you are at the starting phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break through the deadlock" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of overcoming an impasse or stalemate. It suggests a transition from a state of inactivity or opposition to one of progress or resolution, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "break through the deadlock" is a versatile phrase used to describe overcoming a situation where progress has been halted by opposing forces. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While frequently used in News & Media, it maintains a presence in Encyclopedias and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the previous state of deadlock to emphasize the significance of the breakthrough. Alternatives include phrases such as "resolve the impasse" or "overcome the stalemate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the impasse

Replaces "break through" with "resolve" and "deadlock" with "impasse", focusing on the act of finding a solution.

overcome the stalemate

Substitutes "break through" with "overcome" and "deadlock" with "stalemate", emphasizing the act of winning.

end the gridlock

Replaces "break through" with "end" and "deadlock" with "gridlock", highlighting the cessation of inactivity.

alleviate the bottleneck

Uses "alleviate" instead of "break through" and "bottleneck" instead of "deadlock", focusing on easing a constraint.

untangle the knot

Employs a metaphor, replacing "deadlock" with "knot", suggesting the resolution of a complicated problem.

find a breakthrough

Shifts focus to the discovery of a solution, rather than the act of overcoming the deadlock itself.

forge a compromise

Highlights the negotiation aspect of resolving a deadlock, suggesting mutual concessions.

unlock the logjam

Uses "unlock" instead of "break through" and "logjam" instead of "deadlock", metaphorically describing the removal of an obstruction.

clear the obstruction

Focuses on removing whatever is causing the deadlock, emphasizing the act of clearing an obstacle.

stimulate progress

Emphasizes the initiation of forward movement after a period of standstill.

FAQs

What does "break through the deadlock" mean?

The phrase "break through the deadlock" means to overcome a situation where progress is impossible due to opposing forces or unresolved issues. It signifies a positive change where forward movement becomes possible.

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

You can use "break through the deadlock" when describing a successful negotiation or problem-solving effort. For example, "After lengthy discussions, the negotiators managed to "resolve the impasse" and break through the deadlock".

What are some alternatives to "break through the deadlock"?

Alternatives include "overcome the stalemate", "resolve the impasse", or "end the gridlock", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "break the deadlock" or "break through the deadlock"?

Both "break the deadlock" and "break through the deadlock" are correct, but "break through the deadlock" often implies a more forceful or significant effort to overcome the obstacle. "Break the deadlock" is typically used in sports contexts.