stumbling-blocks
Barriers to advancement
Stumbling-blocks are obstacles or hindrances that impede progress or cause difficulty.
The term comes from a literal image—something in your path that trips you up—but usage is almost always figurative: Language barriers remain the main stumbling-block to trade negotiations.
The hyphenated form is less common than the two-word *stumbling blocks*.
Situation without resolution
- deadlockMutual blocking, no progress
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- disagreementAbsence of shared opinion
- sticking pointUnresolved issue blocking progress
contention · dispute · breakdown · negotiation · treaty · compromise · concession · resolution
Frames jumped in races
- barriersThings blocking access
- impedimentsThings that obstruct progress
- hindrancesThings that obstruct progress
- roadblocksObstructions blocking forward movement
setbacks · difficulties · challenges · obstructions · snags · complications · deterrents · bottlenecks
Violation of divine law
- temptationUrge toward the unwise
- offenseViolation or umbrage
- transgressionViolation of law or code
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
corruption · apostasy · heresy · doubt · unbelief · idolatry · worldliness · hardened heart
Enforced waiting period
- slowdownReduction in pace
- interruptionBreak in continuity
- disruptionForceful interruption of process
- regressionReturn to former state
stagnation · standstill · derailment · halt · pause · suspension · breakdown · failure
impasse
Situation without resolution
- deadlockMutual blocking, no progress
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- disagreementAbsence of shared opinion
sticking point · contention · dispute · breakdown · negotiation · treaty · compromise · concession · resolution · talks
hurdles
Frames jumped in races
- barriersThings blocking access
- impedimentsThings that obstruct progress
- hindrancesThings that obstruct progress
roadblocks · setbacks · difficulties · challenges · obstructions · snags · complications · deterrents · bottlenecks · holdups
sin
Violation of divine law
- temptationUrge toward the unwise
- offenseViolation or umbrage
- transgressionViolation of law or code
scandal · corruption · apostasy · heresy · doubt · unbelief · idolatry · worldliness · hardened heart · deception
delay
Enforced waiting period
- slowdownReduction in pace
- interruptionBreak in continuity
- disruptionForceful interruption of process
regression · stagnation · standstill · derailment · halt · pause · suspension · breakdown · failure · collapse
stumbling-blocksstepping-stones
Stones for crossing water
facilitators · enablers · catalysts · springboards · aids
stumbling, block, stumble, stumbles, stumbled, blocks, blocked, blocking, blocker