dead end

Definitions

1. A street or path or tunnel that goes nowhere or is blocked on one end.
   idiomatic
2. The inner end of a drift or tunnel.
3. A position that offers no hope of change or progress.
   figuratively
4. A split end in the hair.

Equivalents

Examples

“That road comes to a dead end⟳ at the lake.”

“The ventilation of dead ends — always a serious problem — has in some mines been an absolute necessity. At the Oriental Consols Gold Mine a crosscut at a depth of 2,600 ft. has been continued to over 1,400 ft. from the shaft, and at the No. 2 South Great Eastern Gold Mine crosscutting and driving has been carried on at depths of 1,750 ft. and 2,000 ft. In order⟳ to ventilate these dead ends blowers have⟳ been used to force⟳ air into the faces through lines of pipes.”

“Her father suggested that she decline⟳ the job because it was a dead end⟳.”

“Cut⟳ the ends of the hair once a month certain — no matter⟳ if you do cut⟳ but just the tips of a fourth of an inch, cut⟳ it. Cut⟳ off the dead ends every month as regularly as the new moon comes round.”

CEFR level