But Mr. Flynn thinks a prolonged standoff could push oil prices higher, especially for gasoline.

They became the center of public attention in 1996 when they engaged in a prolonged armed standoff with agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In time, however, this artillery exchange gave way to a prolonged standoff.

In a prolonged standoff, the attackers can sometimes bring in specialized equipment for probing the inside of a well-defended area.

But few have any desire for a long period of squatting inside tents in the desert, killing time during a prolonged diplomatic standoff.

After a prolonged standoff, the armored vehicles opened fire, filling the air with gas.

Yet the Bush Administration is unwilling to settle for any agreement that will not "drive French farmers crazy," the official said, making a prolonged standoff highly likely.

Turning on each other in a final act of vengeance for the slights they suffered, they finally gun each other down after a prolonged Mexican standoff.

Perhaps, like President Reagan, he would someday "reluctantly" accept an increase, but only after a prolonged standoff permitted him more plausibly to blame the Democrats.

After a prolonged standoff, the park service eventually built its visitors center.