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. === Pronunciation === === Noun === blind alley (plural blind alleys) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see blind,‎ alley. A street or passageway that leads nowhere. (figurative) A course of inquiry that leads nowhere. ==== Synonyms ==== cul-de-sac dead end ==== Translations ==== === References ===