sticking point

• sticking-point

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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 July 30, “41,000 Years' Work”, in Time:

     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.

   • 2022 December 14, Mel Holley, “Network News: Strikes go on as RMT rejects RDG's "detrimental" offer”, in RAIL, number 972, page 8:

     A key sticking point is RDG's requirement of introducing driver-only operation (DOO) on all routes where it can be installed now, and for all future new train deliveries.

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, chapter 4, in The Wing and Wing:

     It warmed his feelings to the sticking point.

   • 1913, Lucy Maud Montgomery, chapter 3, in The Golden Road:

     I could not screw my courage to the sticking point.

• “sticking point”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.

• pointing stick