1851, "blind alley," from French impasse "impassable road, blind alley, impasse," from assimilated form of in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + Middle French passe "a passing," from passer "to pass" (see pass (v.)). Supposedly coined by Voltaire as a euphemism for cul de sac. Figurative use also from 1851.
雙語例句
1. The proposal offered both sides a way out of the diplomatic impasse.
這一提議使雙方都能擺脫外交僵局.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
2. It remained for Mr Parkhill to break through the impasse.
只有等待帕克希爾先生來打破僵局了.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
3. The government had reached an impasse.
政府陷入絕境.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
4. I see no way out of this impasse.
我無法走出這一困境.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
5. Negotiations seemed to have reached an impasse.