sticking point
US /ˈstɪk.ɪŋ ˌpɔɪnt/
UK /ˈstɪk.ɪŋ ˌpɔɪnt/

1.
punto critico, punto di stallo
a point in a discussion or negotiation at which no further progress can be made because of a fundamental disagreement
:
•
The main sticking point in the negotiations was the budget.
Il principale punto critico nei negoziati era il bilancio.
•
We reached a sticking point on the terms of the contract.
Abbiamo raggiunto un punto critico sui termini del contratto.