stumbling block

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Probably originally from Romans 14:13 or 1 Corinthians 8:9 in the King James Version of the Bible, translating Koine Greek πρόσκομμα (próskomma).[1][2]

Pronunciation
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Noun

stumbling block (plural stumbling blocks)

  1. (idiomatic) A hindrance, obstacle or impediment; an opportunity for error.
    Synonyms: see Thesaurus:hindrance
    Idioms are a common stumbling block for learners of a language.
    • 2024 March 20, Conrad Landin, “"Farcical" Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act isn't working”, in RAIL, number 1005, page 24:
      And by opting not to enforce the law in the recent strikes, industry leaders signalled a reluctance to aggravate a dispute in which many believe the stumbling block is not TOCs, but the Westminster government.

Translations

See also

References
  1. The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], 1611, →OCLC, Romans 14:13.: “Let vs not therefore iudge one another any more: but iudge this rather, that no man put a stumbling blocke, or an occasion to fall in his brothers way.”
  2. The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], 1611, →OCLC, 1 Corinthians 8:9.: “But take heed lest by any meanes, this libertie of yours become a stumbling blocke to them that are weake.”
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