bump in the road
Small unexpected hindrance
A bump in the road is a minor obstacle or setback—something that slows progress but doesn't stop it entirely.
The metaphor comes from driving: a literal bump jostles you but doesn't end the journey.
We hit a few bumps in the road, but the project came together.
Often used to minimize difficulties: It's just a bump in the road.
Enforced waiting period
- reversalComplete change of direction
- hiccupSpasmodic breath intake
- glitchMinor system fault
- blipMomentary signal flash
misfortune · regression · relapse · backslide · stumble · drawback · trouble · disappointment
Barrier to leap over
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- roadblockObstruction across a road
stumbling block · bottleneck · blockage · obstruction · snag · complication · difficulty · constraint
Break in continuity
- delayEnforced waiting period
- haltComplete sudden stop
- breakInterrupt continuity
- hiatusBreak in activity
respite · breather · lull · standstill · suspension · slowdown · timeout · waiting period
Capacity to recover quickly
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
tenacity · steadfastness · adaptability · overcome · struggle · effort · patience · persistence
delay
Enforced waiting period
blip · misfortune · regression · relapse · backslide · stumble · drawback · trouble · disappointment · detour
hurdle
Barrier to leap over
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- hindranceBarrier to progress
roadblock · stumbling block · bottleneck · blockage · obstruction · snag · complication · difficulty · constraint · encumbrance
interruption
Break in continuity
hiatus · respite · breather · lull · standstill · suspension · slowdown · timeout · waiting period · holding pattern
resilience
Capacity to recover quickly
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
endurance · tenacity · steadfastness · adaptability · overcome · struggle · effort · patience · persistence · resolve
- travel idiomsin the same boat, miss the boat, crossroads, smooth sailing, take the wheel
bump in the roadsmooth sailing
Untroubled progress forward
clear path · open road · easy street · straight shot · level ground
bump in the roadsmooth sailing
Untroubled progress forward
clear path · tailwind · green light · easy street · breakthrough
bump in the roaddead end
Passage without outlet
roadblock · brick wall · point of no return · catastrophe · showstopper
bump, bumps, bumped, bumping, bumpy, bumpier, bumpiest, bumpiness, road