block the path

Meaning

This phrase means to physically obstruct a way, road, or passage so that nothing can pass through. Metaphorically, it means to prevent progress, success, or the achievement of a goal. It is a highly versatile expression used in everyday physical situations as well as abstract discussions about career, life, or personal growth.

Examples

• A fallen tree branch began to block the path we usually take for our morning jog.

  A fallen tree branch began to block the path we usually take for our morning jog.

• Please don't leave your bicycle there; it will block the path for people in wheelchairs.

  Please don't leave your bicycle there; it will block the path for people in wheelchairs.

• Bureaucratic red tape should not block the path to starting a small business.

  Bureaucratic red tape should not block the path to starting a small business.

• The protesters stood hand-in-hand to block the path to the government building.

  The protesters stood hand-in-hand to block the path to the government building.

• Her lack of a college degree threatened to block the path to her dream promotion.

  Her lack of a college degree threatened to block the path to her dream promotion.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The big truck blocked up the path to our driveway.

  ✓ The big truck blocked the path to our driveway.

  While 'block up' is used for drains or pipes (clogged), 'block the path' is the correct, natural expression for obstructing a route or way.

• ✗ Don't let fear block the road of your success.

  ✓ Don't let fear block the path to your success.

  The standard collocation is 'block the path to [something]' (using 'to', not 'of').

Related Expressions

Practice

• An abandoned car seemed to ___ to the emergency exit.

  💡 To obstruct the way physically.

  Show answer

  block the path

• We must ensure that systemic biases do not ___ of talented young scientists.

  💡 To stop or hinder future progress.

  Show answer

  block the path