Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
dead end
This term carries a strong sense of finality and frustration. In its literal sense, it describes a physical barrier that forces a reversal of direction, often implying a mistake in navigation or a flaw in urban planning. It is a neutral descriptive term in geography but becomes emotionally charged when applied to physical travel.
When used figuratively, the phrase takes on a negative connotation of stagnation and hopelessness. It is frequently employed in professional contexts to describe careers that lack upward mobility or in intellectual contexts to describe a line of reasoning that leads to no solution. Unlike a "setback," which is a temporary delay, a "dead end" suggests a permanent lack of progress.
Meanings
Examples
The car screeched to a halt at the dead end of the alley.
Is there any way out or is this just a dead end?
I feel like my relationship has become a dead end.
The map shows a dead end just past the old bridge.
He feared his academic pursuits were leading to a dead end.