sticking point

American  

noun

1. a point, detail, or circumstance causing or likely to cause a stalemate or impasse.

   The bill would have gone through the Senate quickly but for one sticking point.

2. sticking place.

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sticking point British  

noun

1. a problem or point on which agreement cannot be reached, preventing progress from being made

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Etymology

Origin of sticking point

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The sticking point for any GB success on snow has always been the lack of snowy mountains and freestyle courses, but that is not as convincing an argument as it once was.

From BBC

In an upbeat interview with the Financial Times, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan indicated that compromise was possible on the key sticking point of uranium enrichment.

From Barron's

The question of how far is too far will likely remain a sticking point, given that big tech stocks are indisputably still delivering earnings growth.

From Barron's

Rising healthcare costs for teachers with families have been a major sticking point.

From Los Angeles Times

Another key sticking point is believed to be Kyiv's demand to get robust security guarantees from its European allies and the US.

From BBC

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