sticking point

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.

   a point at which an impasse arises in progress toward an agreement or a goal

2. (dated, idiomatic)The point at which a process or thing, especially a state of mind or emotion, reaches its greatest strength and remains steadfast; sticking-place.

regular

• sticking-pointalternative