make headway
to make progress towards achieving something – used especially when it is difficult to make progress

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

progress noun [uncountable] /ˈprəʊɡres $ ˈprɑː-/ the process of getting better at doing something, or getting closer to finishing or achieving something:
a test of the students' progress.
We have made good progress towards meeting our objectives.
advance noun [countable usually plural] /ədˈvɑːns $ ədˈvæns/ a discovery, invention, or change that brings progress:
the technological advances of the twentieth century
advances in scientific knowledge
In recent years there have been enormous economic and social advances.
breakthrough noun [countable] /ˈbreɪkθruː/ an important discovery or achievement that makes progress possible, especially one that happens suddenly after a long period of trying:
Scientists have described the discovery as a major breakthrough.
The breakthrough in the investigation came when police found a stolen car.
make headway to make progress towards achieving something – used especially when it is difficult to make progress:
After several months of discussion, the committee had made little headway.
stalemate/deadlock /ˈsteɪlmeɪt/ [uncountable and countable] a situation in which no further progress can be made because two groups or organizations cannot find a way to end a disagreement:
The negotiations ended in deadlock.
At that point the strike appeared to have reached a stalemate.
the year-long political deadlock between the two parties
impasse /æmˈpɑːs $ ˈɪmpæs/ [singular] formal a situation in which progress has stopped completely, especially because people cannot agree on what to do next:
The continuing impasse over the budget.
The situation seemed to have reached an impasse.
grind to a halt to slowly stop making any progress:
The economy seems to be grinding to a halt.
It was clear that the peace talks had ground to a halt.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

make headway
to achieve progress.
We hope scientists are able to continue to make headway against cancer.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

make headway
to make progress
We have been bargaining hard all week and we are making headway with the new agreement.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

make headway
v. phr. To move forward; make progress.
The university is making headway with its campus reorganization project.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲