stumbling block

noun

1. an obstacle or hindrance to progress, belief, or understanding.

   Synonyms: bar, block, impediment, barrier, hurdle

stumbling block

noun

1. any impediment or obstacle

Word History and Origins

Origin of stumbling block¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Idioms and Phrases

A hindrance or obstacle, as in His lack of a degree is a real stumbling block to his advancement. This term originally meant “a tree stump over which one trips.” Its figurative use dates from the early 1500s.

Related Words

• barrier 
• complication 
• deterrent 
• difficulty 
• drawback 
• hindrance 
• hitch 
• hurdle 
• impediment 
• obstacle 
• setback 
• snag