sidestep -
To deliberately avoid or divert attention from a certain subject, often to avoid dealing with it.
During the press conference, he sidestepped questions that he didn't want to focus on or deal with.
verb
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kibosh -
When an idea or plan is spoiled or stopped, often due to unforseen circumstances.
Keith was going to go to the museum, but his sudden illness put the kibosh on his plans.
verb
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shackle -
Something that prevents freedom of movement, literally or figuratively
Because John had so much debt, he felt he couldn't consider switching careers, and therefore felt shackled to a job that he hated.
noun
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impediment -
Something that obstructs or slows down progress; a hindrance or obstacle.
His lack of funding was a major impediment to starting his business.
noun
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deadlock -
A situation where opposing sides can't make progress to resolve their differences
Congress couldn't pass any new bills because the political and emotional deadlock between the Republicans and Democrats on almost every issue.
adjective
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stuck -
Unable to move.
Marvin felt stuck in his low paying job, but he had a bit of hope that someday things would open up and change for the better.
verb
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intervene -
To come between two people, groups, or events to prevent or change an outcome.
The teachers had to intervene when the students started arguing in the school yard.
noun
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mortality -
The state of being human and not living for ever
When we think about the inevitabilty of our own mortality, it makes us more committed to make good use of every minute.
verb
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curtail -
To stop, reduce or limit something.
Tripling the fine for speeding was successful in curtailing the number of traffic accidents caused by speeding.
verb
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dissuade -
To advise against a specific decision or behavior, and discourage someone from taking a particular action.
She couldn't take the stress of her work, but her friends tried to dissuade her from quitting her job without a backup plan.
adjective
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abrupt -
Sudden and unexpected, often in an unpleasant way
The company was not succeeding, mostly because the CEO kept abruptly changing the goals of where the company should be heading, and the methods for achieving those goals.
verb
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relinquish -
To voluntarily let go of something, such as a right, possession, or responsibility.
After years of running the company, he decided to relinquish control and pass the leadership to his successor.
