in the way

The phrase "in the way" is commonly used to describe an obstacle or hindrance, often with a negative connotation.

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Definition

B2General

(common)Obstructing or blocking something or someone's path or movement.

Example

The bookshelf was in the way, so I couldn't move the desk.

B2General

(common)Causing inconvenience or hindrance to someone or something.

Example

These petty arguments keep getting in the way of our progress.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "in the way":

in the way of in someone's way out of the way on the way lie in the way out of someone's way down the way that way one's way on one's way this way make way by way of on the way out in line by the way in the wrong in front out of line en route in the process of in the worst way on the road that way inclined go one's way