a stumbling block — figurative obstacle or difficulty
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
something that prevents progress or makes it more difficult to achieve something, especially in a process or discussion.
Say it like a native
Textbook The principal impediment to the agreement was the question of cost.
Native The main stumbling block was the cost.
'Principal impediment' is formal; 'stumbling block' is the everyday metaphor.
Pattern: a stumbling block (to/for something); a stumbling block (in the way of something)
In use
- Lack of funding proved to be a major stumbling block for the project.daily life
- One stumbling block many students face when studying abroad is adapting to a new educational system, which can be quite different from what they're used to.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Cost was a stumbling block for the deal.
✓ Cost was a stumbling block to the deal.
'A stumbling block TO something'.
Common collocations
a stumbling block to— to, the main, a major, prove
Don't confuse it
Unlike the literal sense of 'stumble' (to trip while walking), 'a stumbling block' refers to any obstacle or barrier, not a physical one. It is more specific than 'problem' and less temporary than 'setback'.