snag — An unexpected or hidden obstacle or drawback
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: An unexpected or hidden obstacle or drawback
Pronunciation (IPA): /snæɡ/
Example Sentences
- The wedding preparations went smoothly until we hit a major snag - the cake baker got food poisoning!
- My fishing line snagged on an underwater branch and I lost my favorite lure.
- There's just one snag with your brilliant plan to skip school - your mom is the principal!
snag
NOUN[/snæɡ/]
An unexpected or hidden obstacle or drawback
Her sweater caught on a snag in the old wooden fence as she climbed over.
The bag hits a snag and starts to drag!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'snag' derives from 16th-century Scandinavian languages, specifically Norwegian 'snag' meaning 'pointed end' or 'sharp protrusion'. Over time, the term evolved from its literal meaning of a sharp, protruding object to acquire a figurative sense denoting an unexpected obstacle or problem.
Breakdown
The word consists of a single morpheme 'snag' from Old Norse, originally denoting a sharp point or projection, which was later applied metaphorically to unexpected difficulties or hitches in a process.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The wedding preparations went smoothly until we hit a major snag - the cake baker got food poisoning!”
“My fishing line snagged on an underwater branch and I lost my favorite lure.”
“There's just one snag with your brilliant plan to skip school - your mom is the principal!”
“The project timeline hit a snag when the main developer quit unexpectedly.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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