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