sticking point

plural sticking points · alternative sticking-point

1. idiomaticA 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.

   The question of representing inside workers was a sticking point.

   1934 July 30, “41,000 Years' Work”, in Time

   3 more examples

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

   2002, H. Robert Hall, "Casey and the Negotiation of the Antarctic Treaty" in Jabour-Green, J. & Haward, M. (eds.) The Antarctic: Past, Present and Future: Antarctic CRC Research Report #28, Hobart, pp.27-33

   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.

   2022 December 14, Mel Holley, “Network News: Strikes go on as RMT rejects RDG's "detrimental" offer”, in RAIL, number 972, page 8

   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).

   2024 March 8, Ellen Townsend – Policy Director, “Opinion – Will Foreign Drivers Continue Getting Away with Breaking the Law?”, in ETSC

2. datedidiomaticThe point at which a process or thing, especially a state of mind or emotion, reaches its greatest strength and remains steadfast; sticking-place.

   It warmed his feelings to the sticking point.

   1842, James Fennimore Cooper, chapter 4, in The Wing and Wing

   1 more example

   I could not screw my courage to the sticking point.

   1913, Lucy Maud Montgomery, chapter 3, in The Golden Road