blind alley


noun

a road, alley, etc., that is open at only one end.
a position or situation offering no hope of progress or improvement: That line of reasoning will only lead you up another blind alley.

Origin of blind alley

First recorded in 1575–85

Example sentences from the Web for blind alley

British Dictionary definitions for blind alley

blind alley

noun

an alley open at one end only; cul-de-sac
informal a situation in which no further progress can be made

Idioms and Phrases with blind alley

blind alley

A dead end; a position without hope of progress or success. For example, That line of questioning led the attorney up yet another blind alley. This term alludes to a street or alley that has no outlet at one end. [Mid-1800s]