The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DEADLOCK
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
D
E
A
D
L
O
C
K
More clues leading to the result DEADLOCK
- Intractable problem no longer around? Forward!
- Impasse with lifeless hair
- Log jam six feet under part of canal
- Stalemate as Moor accepts crooked deal
- New deal required in cargo reception area, there being impasse
- Stop awkward load crashing into platform
- Where there’s no solution to lifeless hair?
- Heard Spooner guided physician in an impasse
- A key partner refusing to yield to pressure? Progress seems difficult in this situation
- Deal gone bad in wharf stalemate
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Stalemate" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case stalemate = deadlock.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 DEADLOCK mean?
DEADLOCK noun- A standstill resulting from the opposition of two evenly matched forces; a stalemate or impasse
- An inability to continue due to two programs or devices each requiring a response from the other before completing an operation.
- To cause or to come to a deadlock.