impasse, empate
1. A deadlock or stalemate situation where neither side can gain an advantage or make progress
The negotiations reached a standoff when both parties refused to compromise.
As negociações chegaram a um impasse quando ambas as partes se recusaram a fazer concessões.
2. A tense situation where two opposing forces or persons are evenly matched and neither can defeat the other
The two boxers reached a standoff, equally matched in skill and strength.
Os dois boxeadores chegaram a um empate, igualmente equiparados em habilidade e força.
3. A situation in which neither side in a conflict can gain an advantage; a draw or tie
The game ended in a standoff with both teams unable to score.
O jogo terminou em um empate com ambas as equipes incapazes de marcar.
The term 'standoff' is frequently used in American business, political, and sports contexts to describe situations where progress is blocked. In Brazil, 'impasse' is the preferred formal translation used in diplomatic and business language. The phrase 'Mexican standoff' exists in English but is considered offensive by some and refers to any unresolvable confrontation. The concept reflects a common challenge in negotiation-based cultures on both sides of the Atlantic.
NYC Slang
Mexican standoff (informal reference to a confrontational situation with no clear winner)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →