blind alley
English
Etymology
The notion of ‘blindness’ comes from the lack of a through passage (the ‘eye’). Attested since 1583, and used figuratively since the mid-19th century.[1]
Noun
blind alley (plural blind alleys)
- Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see blind, alley. A street or passageway that leads nowhere.
- (figuratively) A course of inquiry that leads nowhere.
Synonyms
Translations
street that leads nowhere — see dead end
course of inquiry — see impasse
References
- ↑ “Up a blind alley” in Gary Martin, The Phrase Finder, 1997–, retrieved 26 February 2017.
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