blind alley

noun

1. a road, alley, etc., that is open at only one end.
2. a position or situation offering no hope of progress or improvement:

   That line of reasoning will only lead you up another blind alley.

blind alley

noun

1. an alley open at one end only; cul-de-sac
2. informal.
   a situation in which no further progress can be made

Word History and Origins

Origin of blind alley¹

First recorded in 1575–85

Idioms and Phrases

A dead end; a position without hope of progress or success. For example, That line of questioning led the attorney up yet another blind alley . This term alludes to a street or alley that has no outlet at one end. [Mid-1800s]