Mexican standoff

noun6

1. •
   (slang) A stalemate, or a confrontation among two or more sides that no side can win.

   • “Go-!” said he sternly then. “We will call it a stand-off, a Mexican stand-off, you lose your money, but you save your life!” — 1876
2. •
   (slang) An inconclusive standoff, ending in mutual retreat.
3. •
   (slang) A confrontation among two or more armed parties, none of which wants to attack first (fearing that the other could retaliate), but neither of which will disarm (for fear the other will attack).
4. •
   (slang) A three-way or more standoff.

   • Looks like we got us a Mexican Standoff. — 1994
5. •
   (slang) A pot that is split among the players because of a tie.
6. •
   A near-collision between two trains; an averted cornfield meet.