Meaning of sticking point | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A disputed issue or state of affairs that causes an interruption or outright impasse in progress towards some goal or resolution, especially in negotiation or argumentation.
   idiomatic
2. The point at which a process or thing, especially a state of mind or emotion, reaches its greatest strength and remains steadfast; sticking-place.
   dated, idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“The question of representing inside workers was a sticking point.”

“A major sticking point had arisen over draft article IV of the proposed treaty dealing with the disputed Antarctic claims and rights.”

“A key sticking point is RDG's requirement of introducing driver-only operation (DOO) on all routes where it can be installed now, and for all future new train deliveries.”

“The sticking point is over whether the legislation can be used for enforcement of ‘Urban Vehicle Access Regulations’ (UVARs) such as the Stockholm congestion charge, or the Brussels low emissions zone (which bans the most polluting vehicles).”

“It warmed his feelings to the sticking point.”

“I could not screw my courage to the sticking point.”

CEFR level