hit a snag
Meaning
To encounter an unexpected problem or obstacle that delays or complicates progress.
Origin
Originally, a “snag” was a sharp stump or projection (especially in rivers) that could catch and damage a boat. By metaphor, it came to mean any unexpected obstacle or difficulty.
Notes
Common, informal-to-neutral way to say progress was interrupted by an unexpected difficulty. Often implies a setback rather than a total failure.
Examples
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We were about to sign the contract when legal flagged a few issues and we hit a snag.
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The weekend trip hit a snag when the roads turned out to be more icy than expected.
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Our app release hit a snag after testers found an unexpected bug.
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The event planning hit a snag when the caterer canceled at the last minute.
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Buying the house hit a snag because the bank needed more proof of income.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “hit a snag” (past: “hit a snag”). Often followed by a prepositional phrase: “hit a snag with/in …”. You can also say “run into a snag” or “there was a snag.”
Synonyms
- run into a problem
- encounter a setback
- run into difficulties
- hit a roadblock
Antonyms
- go smoothly
- go off without a hitch
- proceed without problems