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Mexican standoff
/mˈɛksɪkən stˈændɔf/
/mˈɛksɪkən stˈandɒf/
Mexican standoff
01
a situation where multiple parties are at a standstill, and no one is willing to take action to resolve the situation
IdiomWhat is the origin of the idiom "Mexican standoff" and when to use it?
The idiom "Mexican standoff" is believed to have originated in the American West in the late 19th century, where it was used to describe a confrontation between cowboys, outlaws, or lawmen, who were all armed and facing off against each other. In modern usage, the term "Mexican standoff" is often used to describe a tense situation where two or more parties are at a standoff and neither side is willing to back down or make a move.
Examples
The hostage situation ended in a Mexican standoff, with neither side willing to back down.
The negotiations between the two countries have turned into a Mexican standoff.
