stand in sb's way

The expression stand in sb's way is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the stand in sb's way idiom.

Meaning of "stand in sb's way"

Meaning

The idiom “stand in someone’s way” generally means to prevent someone from achieving a goal or succeeding in some kind of endeavor. It is often used to refer to an obstacle that is blocking someone from reaching their intended destination or completing their task. The implication is that the obstacle can be removed with effort or effort. It can also suggest that the obstacle is preventing the success of another person.

Etymology

The phrase “stand in someone’s way” dates back to the 16th century and was a common phrase that was used to describe anything that acted as an obstacle to success. In the 1700’s it was used to describe someone in the way of progress, as well as something that would failure to materialize. The phrase “stand in someone’s way” has been in use ever since.

Usage

The idiom “stand in someone’s way” is commonly used in everyday conversations to refer to an obstacle that is preventing someone from achieving their goal. It is usually used to describe something that can be removed with effort, like an obstacle in a race or a wall blocking access to a certain area. The phrase can also be used metaphorically to refer to a person or group that is getting in the way of someone’s success.

Example Sentences

• I'm not trying to stand in your way, but I think you should reconsider before making this decision.
• We can't let the bullies stand in our way. We have to keep fighting for our rights.
• There are a lot of obstacles standing in our way, but I believe we can find a way to succeed.

Idioms with similar meaning

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.