stumbling-block
Definition
- Noun:
- An obstacle or impediment: "stumbling-block" refers to an obstacle that causes difficulty, hesitation, or failure in progress or understanding.
- A source of trouble or confusion: It can also mean a circumstance or issue that creates a barrier to achieving a goal or making a decision.
Usage Examples
- (An obstacle preventing progress.)
- (A source of difficulty or hesitation.)
- (A cause of confusion or misunderstanding.)
Advanced Usage
- "to remove a stumbling-block": to eliminate an obstacle.
- The mediator worked to remove every stumbling-block in the negotiations. (To clear away difficulties.)
- "to be a stumbling-block to": to act as an impediment for someone or something.
- His pride was a stumbling-block to reconciliation. (His pride prevented reconciliation.)
Variants and Related Words
- Stumble (verb): to trip or lose balance; to make a mistake.
- He stumbled over a root in the path. (He tripped.)
- Stumbling (adjective): causing one to trip or hesitate.
- The uneven pavement was a stumbling hazard. (A risk of tripping.)
Synonyms
- Obstacle: something that blocks or hinders progress.
- Barrier: a structure or circumstance that prevents movement or access.
- Hurdle: a difficulty to be overcome.
- Impediment: a hindrance or obstruction.
Related Idioms
- A stumbling-block in the way: a phrase emphasizing an obstacle in a path or plan.
- His lack of experience was a stumbling-block in the way of his promotion. (An obstacle preventing advancement.)
- To stumble over a block: to encounter an unexpected difficulty.
- She stumbled over a block in her research when the data was lost. (She encountered a problem.)
Phrasal Verbs (with "stumble")
- Stumble upon/across: to find or encounter something unexpectedly.
- I stumbled upon an old photograph in the attic. (I found it by chance.)
- Stumble through: to perform or speak with difficulty.
- He stumbled through his speech due to nervousness. (He performed poorly.)