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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

A stumbling block

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

A difficulty that prevents progress, understanding or agreement.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. The cost of transport was the main stumbling block to organising the trip.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

A difficulty that prevents progress, understanding or agreement.
Show the answer

A stumbling block — A difficulty that prevents progress, understanding or agreement.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “A stumbling block” about your own life.

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Does your sentence match this meaning?

A difficulty that prevents progress, understanding or agreement.

Compare: The cost of transport was the main stumbling block to organising the trip.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it for a practical obstacle in a plan, discussion or learning task. It suits conversation and workplace writing.

More examples in context

  • Unclear instructions proved a stumbling block for the new volunteers.
  • We removed a major stumbling block by agreeing who would approve the final design.

Usage note

Use to before the blocked activity: “a stumbling block to reaching agreement.” It need not be impossible to remove.

A short conversation

A: Why has the project not started?
B: The missing room booking is the main stumbling block.
A: I will ask which spaces are available.

One more practice question

What is a stumbling block in a project?

A. A helpful resource that makes every stage easier.
B. A difficulty that holds up progress.

Check your answer

B. The expression names an obstacle, not assistance.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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