stumbling block
Barrier to advancement
A stumbling block is something that impedes progress or prevents achievement—an obstacle or hindrance: The main stumbling block to peace was the border dispute.
The term comes from a biblical image of a stone that causes someone to trip.
Unlike a roadblock, which suggests complete stoppage, a stumbling block implies difficulty that might be overcome.
Thing that obstructs progress
- hurdleBarrier to leap over
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- snagUnforeseen complication
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
obstruction · roadblock · bottleneck · complication · setback · difficulty · deterrent · encumbrance
Intense weary annoyance
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- aggravationState of being vexed
- vexationFrustrated annoyance
disappointment · discouragement · dismay · setback · difficulty · hindrance · disillusionment · letdown
Violation or umbrage
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- temptationUrge toward the unwise
- snareDevice for catching prey
- trapDevice for catching animals
sin · transgression · downfall · corruption · enticement · perdition
impediment
Thing that obstructs progress
barrier · obstruction · roadblock · bottleneck · complication · setback · difficulty · deterrent · encumbrance · constraint
exasperation
Intense weary annoyance
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- aggravationState of being vexed
vexation · disappointment · discouragement · dismay · setback · difficulty · hindrance · disillusionment · letdown · defeat
offense
Violation or umbrage
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- temptationUrge toward the unwise
- snareDevice for catching prey
trap · sin · transgression · downfall · corruption · enticement · perdition
- hardshipshardship, adversity, struggle, misfortune, difficulties
- obstaclesbarriers, block, obstacles, barrier, blockers
- problemsproblem, issue, difficulty, complication, trouble
- setbacksfailing, back to square one, stuck, losing, hit a snag
- Troublesproblem, trouble, issue, setback, snag
- challengeschallenge, difficult, hard, challenging, tough
stumbling blockstepping stone
Intermediate stage toward goal
catalyst · springboard · enabler · facilitator · boost
stumbling blockclear path
Unobstructed way forward
open road · smooth sailing · green light · runway · bridge
stumbling blockclear path
Unobstructed way forward
smooth sailing · open road · free passage · easy street · straightaway