A snag
Meaning
An unexpected problem, difficulty, or obstacle that causes a delay or prevents progress.
Origin
The word 'snag' itself comes from a Scandinavian root, literally meaning a sharp projection or a knot. Picture a thread catching on a splinter, or a boat's hull tearing on a submerged log. Indeed, in 19th-century America, riverboats faced constant peril from 'snags'—fallen trees hidden beneath the water's surface, capable of ripping open a vessel's bottom and sinking it without warning. This very real, sudden, and disruptive obstacle on the waterways provided the perfect metaphor for any unexpected problem or difficulty that halts progress, cementing 'a snag' in our language as a shorthand for unforeseen trouble.
Examples
- The project was going smoothly until we hit a snag with the new software update.
- The only snag in their plans for a perfect weekend getaway was the sudden cancellation of their flight.