袋小路

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 袋小路 is read as ふくろこうじ and is a noun for a literal dead end or a figurative impasse with no clear way forward.
• Basic usage: A narrow road ending in a dead end appears in 路地が袋小路になっている, while negotiations reaching an impasse appears in 交渉が袋小路に入る.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Literal and figurative uses
  • 袋小路 applies both to a physically blocked road and figuratively to a situation such as negotiations that cannot readily progress.