snagged

A fisherman's line got snagged on a submerged log.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Having a snag or obstacle: "snagged" describes something that is caught, obstructed, or impeded by a snag (a sharp, rough, or projecting object, such as a tree branch under water or a torn piece of fabric).
   • Torn or damaged by a snag: Refers to an object, especially clothing or fabric, that has been ripped or pulled by a sharp projection.

2. Verb (past tense of "snag"):

   • To catch or tear on a snag: The action of becoming entangled or damaged by a rough or sharp object.
   • To encounter an unexpected problem or obstacle: Used figuratively to mean facing a sudden difficulty or delay.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Her sweater was snagged on a nail. (The sweater was caught and torn by a nail.)
  • The boat's hull became snagged on a submerged log. (The boat was obstructed by a hidden tree trunk.)

• Verb:

  • I snagged my jeans on the fence. (I tore my jeans by catching them on the fence wire.)
  • The project snagged due to a lack of funding. (The project encountered an unexpected obstacle—a shortage of money.)

Advanced Usage

• "to get snagged": to become caught or hindered.

  • The negotiations got snagged on a minor disagreement. (The talks were stalled because of a small point of conflict.)

• "snagged on something": physically or metaphorically stuck.

  • His sleeve was snagged on a thorn bush. (His sleeve was caught and torn by thorns.)

Variants and Related Words

• Snag (n): a sharp, rough, or projecting object; an unexpected difficulty.

  • We hit a snag in our travel plans. (We encountered an unforeseen problem.)

• Snaggy (adj): full of snags or obstacles.

  • The river is snaggy and dangerous for boats. (The river has many hidden obstacles.)

Synonyms

• Caught: entangled or trapped.
• Torn: ripped or damaged.
• Obstructed: blocked or hindered.
• Stalled: delayed or stopped.

Phrasal Verbs

• Snag up: to become caught or tangled.

  • The fishing line snagged up on a rock. (The line became entangled on a rock.)

• Snag on: to catch or hook onto something.

  • Her necklace snagged on the door handle. (The necklace hooked onto the handle.)

Related Idioms

• Hit a snag: to encounter an unexpected problem.

  • The plan hit a snag when the supplier cancelled. (The plan faced an unforeseen difficulty.)

• Snag-free: without obstacles or difficulties.

  • We hope for a snag-free delivery. (We expect no problems during the delivery.)