roadblock
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A physical barrier on a road: A barrier or obstruction set up by authorities, typically police, to stop and check vehicles, often to enforce laws, conduct inspections, or apprehend someone.
- A figurative obstacle: Any condition, situation, or problem that prevents or hinders progress or the achievement of a goal.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Physical Barrier):
- The police set up a roadblock to search for the escaped prisoner.
- Drivers were delayed for an hour due to a safety inspection roadblock.
- Noun (Figurative Obstacle):
- Lack of funding became a major roadblock to completing the research project.
- We hit a legal roadblock that stopped the merger from proceeding.
Advanced Usage
- "To run into a roadblock": To encounter an unexpected problem or obstacle.
- Our plans to expand ran into a bureaucratic roadblock.
- "To remove a roadblock": To eliminate an obstacle.
- The new agreement removed the final roadblock to peace talks.
Variants and Related Words
- Barrier (n): A fence or other obstacle that blocks movement or access. (Can be both physical and figurative).
- Obstacle (n): A thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress.
- Checkpoint (n): A place, especially a barrier or manned entrance, where traffic is stopped for inspection.
Synonyms
- Hindrance: Something that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to progress.
- Impediment: A hindrance or obstruction in doing something.
- Blockade: An act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving.
Related Phrases
- Roadblock to success: A specific obstacle preventing achievement.
- His fear of failure was the biggest roadblock to his success.
- To face a roadblock: To be confronted with a significant obstacle.
- The development team faced a technical roadblock they couldn't solve.
Related Idioms
- Hit a roadblock: To suddenly encounter a serious problem that stops progress.
- The negotiations hit a roadblock when neither side would compromise on the key issue.
Noun
- a barrier set up by police to stop traffic on a street or road in order to catch a fugitive or inspect traffic etc.
- any condition that makes it difficult to make progress or to achieve an objective
- intolerance is a barrier to understanding