hit a roadblock

Meaning

To encounter an unexpected obstacle, delay, or problem that prevents progress. While it literally refers to a physical barrier on a road, it is most commonly used metaphorically to describe a sudden complication in plans.

Examples

• Our road trip hit a roadblock when the main highway was closed due to a landslide.

  Our road trip hit a roadblock when the main highway was closed due to a landslide.

• We hit a roadblock with our visa applications, as the embassy requested extra documents.

  We hit a roadblock with our visa applications, as the embassy requested extra documents.

• The construction project hit a roadblock when they ran out of building materials.

  The construction project hit a roadblock when they ran out of building materials.

• We were making great time on our journey until we hit a roadblock at the border crossing.

  We were making great time on our journey until we hit a roadblock at the border crossing.

• Don't worry if you hit a roadblock; we can always adjust our itinerary.

  Don't worry if you hit a roadblock; we can always adjust our itinerary.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We met a roadblock on our vacation.

  ✓ We hit a roadblock on our vacation.

  The standard idiomatic verb used with 'roadblock' is 'hit' or 'encounter', not 'meet'.

• ✗ Our plans hit a block road.

  ✓ Our plans hit a roadblock.

  The compound noun is 'roadblock' (one word), not 'block road'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We were planning to camp tonight, but we ___ when we found out the park was closed.

  💡 encountered an unexpected obstacle

  Show answer

  hit a roadblock

• If you ___ with your passport renewal, let me know and I'll help.

  💡 face a sudden problem

  Show answer

  hit a roadblock