A hitch
Meaning
A temporary and usually minor problem or delay that disrupts progress.
Origin
The word 'hitch' has a rich history, deeply anchored in the world of seafaring. Originally, it described a specific type of knot – a temporary fastening used by sailors to secure ropes or lines on a ship. But 'hitch' also captured the jarring motion of something suddenly catching or snagging. Imagine a rope getting momentarily stuck as it's hauled, or a wagon wheel catching on an unseen bump. It was this sense of an unexpected, brief interruption that gradually evolved. By the 20th century, this physical snag had jumped ashore, becoming our common, concise term for any small, unforeseen problem or temporary delay that briefly holds up progress, much like a ship’s line momentarily catching on a cleat.
Examples
- The launch of the new software went smoothly, apart from a minor hitch with the server connection.
- Our road trip encountered an unexpected hitch when we realized we'd left the map at home.