sticking point

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.

sticking point

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sticking point¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Related Words

• warning