English

Alternative forms

• sticking-point

Noun

sticking point ‎(plural sticking points)

1. (idiomatic) A disputed issue or state of affairs that causes an interruption or outright impasse in progress towards some goal or resolution, especially in negotiation or argumentation.
   • 1934, "41,000 Years' Work," Time, 30 July:

     The question of representing inside workers was a sticking point.

   • 2002, H. Robert Hall, "Casey and the Negotiation of the Antarctic Treaty" in Jabour-Green, J. & Haward, M. (eds.) The Antarctic: Past, Present and Future: Antarctic CRC Research Report #28, Hobart, pp.27-33:

     A major sticking point had arisen over draft article IV of the proposed treaty dealing with the disputed Antarctic claims and rights.

2. (idiomatic, dated) The point at which a process or thing, especially a state of mind or emotion, reaches its greatest strength and remains steadfast; sticking-place.
   • 1842, James Fennimore Cooper, The Wing and Wing, ch. 4:

     It warmed his feelings to the sticking point.

   • 1913, Lucy Maud Montgomery, The Golden Road, ch. 3:

     I could not **** my courage to the sticking point.

References

• sticking point at OneLook Dictionary Search