Standoff
'stændɔf
Definitions
2 meaningsA situation in which progress is impossible; a deadlock.
'stændɔf
A situation in which neither side can make a decisive move, resulting in a deadlock.
The union and management remained in a standoff for weeks during the contract negotiations.
💡 Simply: It's like when two kids are arguing and neither one wants to give in, so they just stay far apart and the problem doesn't get solved. It's like a staring contest, but with a problem!
👶 For kids: When two people or groups are fighting, but nobody can win or move forward. They are stuck!
More Examples
The hostage situation ended after a long standoff with law enforcement.
How It's Used
"The negotiations ended in a standoff."
"A tense standoff occurred between police and the armed suspect."
A device or part that keeps something at a distance.
'stændɔf
Use standoffs to secure the motherboard within the computer case.
💡 Simply: It's like a little spacer or leg that holds something up or keeps it away from something else. Think of it as a little helper that keeps things apart.
👶 For kids: A little piece that holds things apart, like LEGO bricks!
More Examples
The standoffs prevent the heat sink from directly touching the CPU.
How It's Used
"The standoff is used to separate the circuit board from the chassis."
"Make sure the standoff is firmly in place to support the components."
Idioms & expressions
reach a standoff
To arrive at a point where neither side can progress.
"Negotiations have reached a standoff over salary demands."
long standoff
A standoff that lasts for a prolonged period.
"The police were involved in a long standoff with the hostage taker."
From the verb 'stand off,' dating back to the 17th century, originally meaning to keep at a distance or to hold back. The noun form developed later, reflecting situations of stalemate or deadlock.
The word 'standoff' has been used in contexts of military conflict and negotiation since the late 17th century, initially referring to keeping at a distance.
Memory tip
Imagine two teams facing each other, unable to score. A standstill.