Britain's prime minister concedes Parliament won't approve her Brexit plan without changes. The European Union says no changes are possible.
So what's a politician to do? Play with words.
A day after Prime Minister Theresa May canceled a Brexit vote she was sure to lose, leaders on both sides of the Channel sought Tuesday to salvage their deal.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, welcomes British Prime Minister Theresa May prior to a meeting in the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018. May is visiting several European countries to seek "assurances" on the Brexit agreement with the European Union to aid its passage through Britain's parliament. (AP PhotoMichael Sohn)
European leaders made clear they would not accept changes to the plan: "There is no room whatsoever for renegotiation," said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
May's spokesman, James Slack, said Britain is also loath to alter the 585-page agreement: "If you reopen the withdrawal agreement, that brings with it difficulties, such as issues that were off the table being put back on the table."
So does that mean the deal is dead? Not necessarily.
A remain in the European Union, anti-brexit sculpture is displayed as a protester wearing a European flag design hat stands demonstrating in the foreground across the street from the House of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018. Top European Union officials are ruling out any renegotiation of the divorce agreement with Britain as Prime Minister Theresa May fights to save her Brexit deal by lobbying leaders in Europe's capitals. (AP PhotoMatt Dunham)
Juncker, while ruling out changes, said: "If used intelligently, (there) is room enough to give further clarification and further interpretations without opening the withdrawal agreement."
Slack said May was seeking "reassurances" from the EU about some aspects.
So what's the difference between changes on the one hand, and "clarifications" and "reassurances" on the other?
A leave the European Union, Brexit supporter protests by saying he was "taking a stand" across the street from the House of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018. Top European Union officials are ruling out any renegotiation of the divorce agreement with Britain as Prime Minister Theresa May fights to save her Brexit deal by lobbying leaders in Europe's capitals. (AP PhotoMatt Dunham)
The common wisdom is that reassurances, as opposed to changes, have no legal weight.
But enter Martin Callanan, a minister with Britain's Brexit department, who seemed to find a semantic sweet spot Tuesday when he said Britain needs "legally binding reassurances."
What does that mean?
Probably an addendum to the agreement that would be incorporated into the legally binding text. Sort of like a reassurance with teeth.
Or in other words, a change.
Associated Press writer Jill Lawless contributed.