ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hit a snag

idiom
Meaning

To encounter an unexpected problem or delay.


Examples
SIMPLE

We hit a snag with the car and arrived late.

CONTEXTUAL

The project was going well until we hit a snag with the budget, which forced us to delay the launch.

COMPLEX

Although the construction team had planned for every contingency, they hit a snag when they discovered unstable soil beneath the foundation, halting all progress for weeks.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    don't let the door hit you on the way out

    Used as a command to leave in haste, or to indicate that one is glad, or at least unmoved, to see the addressed person leaving.

  2. 02

    fall out of the ugly tree and hit every branch

    To become extremely unattractive.

  3. 03

    hit a lick

    To earn a large sum of money in a short amount of time, usually illegally.

  4. 04

    hit a wall

    To come up against an insurmountable problem.

  5. 05

    hit above one's weight

    Alternative form of punch above one's weight.

  6. 06

    hit and run

    Sexual intercourse followed by a prompt departure; a one-night stand.

  7. 07

    hit below one's weight

    Alternative form of punch below one's weight.

  8. 08

    hit home

    To be especially memorable, meaningful, or significant; to be fully understood, believed or appreciated.

© 2026 English Reference