stand-off

A tense stand-off between two chess players holds the room's attention.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A situation of deadlock or stalemate: "stand-off" refers to a situation in which two opposing parties are unable to reach an agreement or resolution, often resulting in a tense pause or impasse.
   • A draw or tie in sports: In games or competitions, a "stand-off" means a result where neither side wins, i.e., a tie.
   • A device that creates distance: In technical or physical contexts, a "stand-off" can be a small spacer or bracket used to keep two objects apart, such as in electronics or construction.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The negotiation ended in a stand-off, with both sides refusing to compromise. (A deadlock in talks.)
  • The football match finished in a 2–2 stand-off. (A tie in sports.)
  • The technician installed a stand-off to prevent the circuit board from touching the metal case. (A physical spacer.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be at a stand-off": to be in a state of deadlock or stalemate.

  • The two armies are at a stand-off, neither willing to advance. (They are locked in a tense impasse.)

• "stand-off position": a posture or stance that maintains distance or neutrality.

  • He adopted a stand-off position in the debate, refusing to take sides. (He remained neutral and distant.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stand-offish (adj): reserved, aloof, or distant in manner; not friendly or sociable.

  • She is very stand-offish at parties and rarely talks to anyone. (She keeps people at a distance.)

• Stand-off half (n): in rugby, the player who stands between the scrum-half and the backs, often directing play; also called a fly-half.

  • The stand-off half kicked the ball down the field. (The rugby player in that position.)

Synonyms

• Deadlock: a situation where no progress can be made.
• Stalemate: a position in which neither side can win or advance.
• Impasse: a difficult situation with no way out.
• Tie: a draw in a game or competition.

Phrasal Verbs

• Stand off: to keep at a distance; to remain separate or aloof.
  • The two dogs stood off from each other, growling. (They kept a distance.)
  • He stood off from the group, not joining the conversation. (He remained apart.)

Related Idioms

• "a stand-off between": used to describe a deadlock between two parties.

  • There was a stand-off between management and the striking workers. (An impasse in negotiations.)

• "break the stand-off": to end a deadlock or stalemate.

  • The mediator finally broke the stand-off by proposing a compromise. (She resolved the impasse.)