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.
