Mexican standoff

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See synonyms for Mexican standoff on Thesaurus.com

noun Informal: Sometimes Offensive.

a stalemate or impasse; a confrontation that neither side can win.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of Mexican standoff

First recorded in 1890–95

usage note for Mexican standoff

This expression is sometimes perceived as insulting to or by Mexicans. Its origin in the late 19th century may be connected to American perceptions of encounters with Mexican bandits of that era.

Words nearby Mexican standoff

Mexicano, Mexican onyx, Mexican orange, Mexican poppy, Mexican Spanish, Mexican standoff, Mexican star, Mexican tea, Mexican War, Mexican wave, Mexico

How to use Mexican standoff in a sentence

So, as far as Mexican officials like Peña Nieto are concerned, the goal is to keep their countrymen here — and keep them happy.
Why Mexicans Are Enraged by Obama’s Big Tuesday Meeting|Ruben Navarrette Jr.|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Two-thirds of those who likely to benefit from the new policy are Mexican.
Why Mexicans Are Enraged by Obama’s Big Tuesday Meeting|Ruben Navarrette Jr.|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In the Latino community the legacy of the Mexican Mafia spans multiple generations.
The Mexican Mafia Is the Daddy of All Street Gangs|Seth Ferranti|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Virtually all the southwestern gangs of Mexican heritage (Surenos or Southsiders) are under their control.
The Mexican Mafia Is the Daddy of All Street Gangs|Seth Ferranti|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The Mexican Mafia run their empire from the penitentiary to the streets of LA.
The Mexican Mafia Is the Daddy of All Street Gangs|Seth Ferranti|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At last there appeared some probability of their accomplishing this, after a most curious and truly Mexican fashion.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
But the Mexican caballeros had no notion of coming up to the scratch a third time.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
The Mexican artillery soon laid a part of the fort in ruins.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
I only saw the glitter of a bayonet which a Mexican thrust into his shoulder, at the very moment he was helping me up.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
Meanwhile, Matt, paying no heed to the other Mexican, had picked up the little girl and was carrying her toward the gate.
Motor Matt's "Century" Run|Stanley R. Matthews