Brick Wall Meaning

(figuratively) Someone who is silent or unresponsive.

Example: Used other than as an idiom: see brick,‎ wall.
A wall made of bricks.
  The investigators came up against a brick wall in their search for the missing money when they discovered it had been transferred overseas.
(Can we date this quote?) Wind Tunnels of NASA
  They all ran up against the brick wall of high cost until the cryogenic option was proven feasible in 1973.
National Thespian Dramatic Honor Society for High Schools (1987) Dramatics, volume 59: “When mama says she doesn't talk, she means it. She's a brick wall.”
Judith Caseley (1992) My Father, The Nutcase: “"Does he talk much? I mean, does he initiate conversation?"
"No. He's a brick wall," I said.”
Edward R.F. Sheeran (1997) Cardinal Galsworthy: “Having uttered these benign assurances, Mr Burner III became a brick wall.”