bumps in the road
Setbacks along the way
Bumps in the road are minor obstacles or setbacks encountered along the way to a goal.
The metaphor draws from actual road travel—small irregularities that jolt but don't stop you: We hit a few bumps in the road, but the project finished on time.
The phrase implies difficulties are temporary and manageable, not fatal to progress.
- setbacksReversals of progress
- potholesPavement depressions from wear
- obstaclesThings in the way
- rough patchDifficult period experienced
- hurdlesFrames jumped in races
pitfalls · sinkholes · roadblocks · frustration · resilience · cracks · perseverance · problem-solving · adaptability · rerouting · back on track · rumble strips · detours · complications · uphill battle · discouragement · tough times · anxiety
bumps in the roadsmooth sailing
Untroubled progress forward
clear path · open road · easy street · straight shot · clear sailing
bumps in the roadsmooth sailing
Untroubled progress forward
plain sailing · clear path · easy ride · clear sailing · clear skies
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