stumbling block

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An obstacle or impediment: A "stumbling block" is a difficulty or problem that prevents progress or makes it very hard to achieve something.
Usage
  • A "stumbling block" is a metaphorical term. It describes a barrier or hindrance, not a physical object to trip over, though the image comes from the idea of tripping on a stone.
  • It is commonly used to discuss problems in plans, negotiations, projects, or processes.
  • It is often preceded by verbs like "be," "become," "pose," "present," "remove," or "overcome."
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The main stumbling block to the peace talks is the disagreement over borders.
    • Lack of funding became a major stumbling block for the research project.
    • We've overcome several stumbling blocks on the way to launching the new product.
Advanced Usage
  • "to be a stumbling block to/for something": To act as an obstacle preventing a specific outcome.
    • His reluctance to compromise is a stumbling block to any agreement.
  • "to remove/clear a stumbling block": To eliminate an obstacle.
    • The new contract clause removed the final stumbling block from the deal.
Variants and Related Words
  • Stumbling (present participle of verb 'stumble'): To trip or lose one's balance while walking; to make a mistake or hesitate in speech.
    • He kept stumbling over the difficult pronunciation.
  • Block (noun): A solid piece of material; an obstacle.
    • The fallen tree was a block in the road.
Synonyms
  • Obstacle: Something that blocks one's way or hinders progress.
  • Impediment: A hindrance or obstruction in doing something.
  • Hurdle: A problem or difficulty that must be overcome.
  • Barrier: A fence or obstacle that prevents movement or access.
  • Snag: An unexpected or hidden obstacle or drawback.
Antonyms
  • Aid: Help or support.
  • Advantage: A condition giving a greater chance of success.
  • Catalyst: Something that causes an important change or event to happen.
  • Facilitator: Something that makes an action or process easier.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • A stumbling block: This is itself an idiomatic phrase. There are no direct phrasal verbs, but it is related to the idiom:
    • "Stumble upon/across": To discover something by chance.
      • I stumbled upon an old photo album in the attic. (Note: This is a different use of "stumble," meaning to find accidentally, not to encounter an obstacle.)
Noun
  1. any obstacle or impediment