The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word STAND-OFF
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
T
A
N
D
-
O
F
F
More clues leading to the result STAND-OFF
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "deadlock" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case deadlock = stand-off.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 STAND-OFF mean?
STAND-OFF noun- Fly-half
- A device which maintains a fixed distance between two objects, especially between a surface and a sign or electrical wiring.
- A deadlocked confrontation between antagonists (see stand off and verb below).