roadblocks
Police traffic barricades
Roadblocks are barriers set up to stop or check traffic, typically by police or military: They set up roadblocks to catch the escaped prisoner.
Figuratively, a roadblock is any obstacle that prevents progress: bureaucratic roadblocks, We hit a roadblock in the negotiations.
The literal sense often implies authority and control; the figurative sense emphasizes frustration.
Thing that obstructs progress
- setbackReverse in progress
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- bottleneckConstriction limiting throughput
- snagUnforeseen complication
complication · difficulty · challenge · constraint · limitation · restriction · hurdle · barrier
Obstacle blocking a path
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- conesTapering geometric solids
- signagePosted public displays
- detourAlternate path around obstruction
checkpoint · cordon · fence · obstruction · traffic control · diversion · closure · construction
Public display of opinion
- picket lineProtesting workers' boundary
- sit-inProtest by remaining seated
- civil disobediencePeaceful refusal to obey
- occupationOne's regular paid work
human chain · march · rally · activism · disruption · resistance · standoff · confrontation
Bureaucratic obstacles to action
- permitsGrants formal authorization
- paperworkAdministrative written tasks
- regulationsEnforced rules and standards
- approvalsFormal consent given
delays · compliance · zoning · inspections · authorization · licensing · clearance · filing
Transit between sovereign territories
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- security screeningSafety inspection before entry
- passport controlBorder document verification point
immigration · patrol · entry point · guard station · verification · search · clearance · frontier
impediment
Thing that obstructs progress
- setbackReverse in progress
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- bottleneckConstriction limiting throughput
snag · complication · difficulty · challenge · constraint · limitation · restriction · hurdle · barrier · logjam
barricade
Obstacle blocking a path
detour · checkpoint · cordon · fence · obstruction · traffic control · diversion · closure · construction · lane closure
demonstration
Public display of opinion
- picket lineProtesting workers' boundary
- sit-inProtest by remaining seated
- civil disobediencePeaceful refusal to obey
occupation · human chain · march · rally · activism · disruption · resistance · standoff · confrontation · chanting
red tape
Bureaucratic obstacles to action
- permitsGrants formal authorization
- paperworkAdministrative written tasks
- regulationsEnforced rules and standards
approvals · delays · compliance · zoning · inspections · authorization · licensing · clearance · filing · applications
border crossing
Transit between sovereign territories
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- security screeningSafety inspection before entry
passport control · immigration · patrol · entry point · guard station · verification · search · clearance · frontier · toll booth
- policingpatrol, police powers, arrests, police officer, arrest
- obstaclesbarriers, obstacles, barrier, hurdles, constraint
- restrictionsban, bans, limits, limit, restrictions
- travel problemslost luggage, flight delays, flight delay, delayed flight, missed flight
- enforcementenforcement actions, crackdown, fines, enforcement agencies, penalties
- Intifadastone throwing, Gaza Strip, West Bank, Israeli occupation, PLO
roadblocksopenings
Available positions or gaps
green lights · thoroughfares · free passage · access points · expressways
roadblocksenablers
Those who facilitate harm
facilitators · catalysts · stepping stones · breakthroughs · advantages