English · Slang Attested

mexican standoff

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A stalemate, or a confrontation among two or more sides that no side can win.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

“Go-!” said he sternly then. “We will call it a stand-off, a Mexican stand-off, you lose your money, but you save your life!”

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A stalemate, or a confrontation among two or more sides that no side can win. — An inconclusive standoff, ending in mutual retreat.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A stalemate, or a confrontation among two or more sides that no side can win. — A confrontation among two or more armed parties, none of which wants to attack first (fearing that the other could retaliate), but neither of which will disarm (for fear the other will attack).

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “mexican standoff” mean?

A stalemate, or a confrontation among two or more sides that no side can win.

Is “mexican standoff” formal or informal?

mexican standoff is generally slang.