詰む

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 詰む, read つむ, is a verb meaning to be checkmated or, figuratively, to reach an impasse.
• Basic usage: 王は次で詰む describes checkmate in a game; 作業は詰んでしまう describes work becoming hopelessly blocked.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Game checkmate versus figurative impasse
  • A king and move point to the game sense, while work and a deadline support the figurative sense of having no way forward.