traffic gridlock
/ˈtræf.ɪk ˈɡrɪd.lɑːk/
Meaning
Traffic gridlock refers to a severe traffic jam where continuous queues of vehicles block an entire network of intersecting streets, bringing all movement to a complete standstill. It is often used both literally for road traffic and metaphorically to describe situations where progress is entirely blocked, such as in politics or business negotiations.
Examples
-
The transit strike caused complete traffic gridlock across the entire downtown area.
The transit strike caused complete traffic gridlock across the entire downtown area.
-
We were stuck in traffic gridlock for three hours on the way to the airport.
We were stuck in traffic gridlock for three hours on the way to the airport.
-
City planners are trying to find solutions to ease the daily traffic gridlock during rush hour.
City planners are trying to find solutions to ease the daily traffic gridlock during rush hour.
-
Heavy snow resulted in widespread traffic gridlock on all major highways.
Heavy snow resulted in widespread traffic gridlock on all major highways.
-
To avoid the traffic gridlock, we decided to take the subway instead of driving.
To avoid the traffic gridlock, we decided to take the subway instead of driving.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ There was a small traffic gridlock on our street this morning.
✓ There was a minor traffic jam on our street this morning.
Gridlock implies a massive, systemic blockage where nothing can move. It is too dramatic for a minor, localized delay.
-
✗ The cars were gridlocking slowly down the highway.
✓ The cars were crawling slowly down the highway.
Gridlock means complete immobility, so vehicles cannot 'gridlock slowly' if they are still moving.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
An accident on the bridge caused total ___ throughout the city center.
💡 A severe standstill where no vehicles can move.
Show answer
traffic gridlock
-
Commuters had to endure hours of ___ after the traffic lights failed.
💡 A complete blockage of intersecting streets.
Show answer
traffic gridlock