The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word IMPASSE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
I
M
P
A
S
S
E
More clues leading to the result IMPASSE
- Deadlock: four leave showing no emotion
- I'm no longer popular — there's no getting around it
- Maybe gridlock that is overwhelming motorway to go by
- Four abandoning calm standstill
- Deadlock that is about fool supporting MP
- Dead end: Everyman’s old hat
- Deadlock when one politician confronts idiot online
- Progress hampered by setter repeatedly leading to deadlock
- Gridlock on motorway going west — go east
- Troublemaker meets fools – shortly there’s deadlock
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "standstill" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case standstill = impasse.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does IMPASSE mean?
IMPASSE noun- A road with no exit; a cul-de-sac
- A deadlock or stalemate situation in which no progress can be made