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.
实用例句
1. The proposal offered both sides a way out of the diplomatic impasse.
这一提议使双方都能摆脫外交僵局.
来自《简明英汉词典》
2. It remained for Mr Parkhill to break through the impasse.
只有等待帕克希尔先生来打破僵局了.
来自《简明英汉词典》
3. The government had reached an impasse.
政府陷入绝境.
来自《简明英汉词典》
4. I see no way out of this impasse.
我无法走出这一困境.
来自《简明英汉词典》
5. Negotiations seemed to have reached an impasse.