stumbling block

American  

noun

1. an obstacle or hindrance to progress, belief, or understanding.

   Synonyms:

   bar, block, impediment, barrier, hurdle

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stumbling block British  

noun

1. any impediment or obstacle

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stumbling block Idioms  

1. A hindrance or obstacle, as in His lack of a degree is a real stumbling block to his advancement. This term originally meant “a tree stump over which one trips.” Its figurative use dates from the early 1500s.

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Etymology

Origin of stumbling block

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

However, it is understood Dyche would seek a minimum 18-month contract if he was to replace Tudor, which could prove a stumbling block towards any agreement.

From BBC

There is another potential stumbling block for the bill.

From BBC

The stumbling block, says the author Bedell Smith, is that Harry doesn’t seem inclined to apologize.

From The Wall Street Journal

A nuclear-power startup said it has found a workaround for the industry’s twin stumbling blocks: the expense and time it takes to build reactors.

From The Wall Street Journal

The stumbling block had been over products like beef and lamb.

From Barron's

Related Words

• barrier
• complication
• deterrent
• difficulty
• drawback
• hindrance
• hitch
• hurdle
• impediment
• obstacle
• setback
• snag