hit a snag

Idioms  

1. Encounter a problem or obstacle. For example, We've hit a snag with this building project. The noun snag has been used in the sense of “a sharp or rough projection,” such as would impede passage, since the 1500s.

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Example Sentences

Talks hit a snag late Tuesday, prompting U.S.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

But many of their investments hit a snag after publicly traded energy companies became more financially disciplined and largely halted acquisitions of undeveloped oilfields around 2017.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

An Indian rocket hit a snag during its launch Monday, forcing a deviation in flight path as it carried an Earth observation satellite and commercial payloads, the country's space agency said.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

Grace's preparations for her 250th run hit a snag when she had a stent fitted four weeks ago, but she only missed one week during her recovery.

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2025

She tried to follow its instructions, think about what was actually happening, but she hit a snag almost immediately.

From "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi