roadblock
n.something that stops you from making progress. It can be a physical barrier on a road or a problem that prevents a plan from moving forward.
n.a physical barrier placed across a road to stop traffic; figuratively, any obstacle that prevents progress or the completion of a task.
“The police set up a roadblock to check for licenses.”
“The project hit a major roadblock when the main investor decided to pull out at the last minute.”
“While the initial proposal was sound, bureaucratic roadblocks within the local government delayed the construction of the new community center for several years.”
Often used with the verbs 'hit', 'encounter', or 'remove' in a figurative sense.
“Other high-profile cases that Marshall pursued at the same time hit similar roadblocks.”
“These new roadblocks can determine whether students finish degrees, or remain with their partners and children.”
From road + block.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.