Up a blind alley

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Meaning

Stuck in a dead-end, no way out.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to towns; 'blind alley' meant no exit, slang by 1870s in a Dickens tale for trap. A 1880s 'Times' uses it for a flop.

Variants

  • Blind alley

Usage Examples

  • He's up a blind alley; no fix here.
  • Up a blind alley-plan's sunk.
  • Blind alley; dead end now.

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