[b]Mexican standoff[/b] is a strategic deadlock or impasse, in which no party can act in a way that ensures victory.

In popular culture, the [[mexico|Mexican]] standoff is often portrayed as two or more opponents with weapons aimed at each other, usually at extremely close range, such that each opponent feels equally threatened and does not believe he can strike or shoot first without endangering his own life. 

h4. See also

* [[at gunpoint]]
* [[at knifepoint]]
* [[battle]]
* [[crosscounter]]