Meaning & use
puts up roadblocks
Last updated
“puts up roadblocks” is a form of “put up roadblocks”.
Meanings
phraseidiomfigurative
Creates problems or delays that stop something from happening or make it difficult.
Grammar: Used with a singular third-person subject: 'The manager puts up roadblocks.' For other subjects, use 'put up roadblocks'.
Patterns
- someone puts up roadblocks to something
- something puts up roadblocks for someone
The new regulations put up roadblocks for small businesses trying to get loans.
She puts up roadblocks whenever we suggest changing the old system.
Lack of funding puts up roadblocks to finishing the project on time.
phraseidiom
Places physical barriers across a road to stop or check traffic.
Grammar: Often used in the passive: 'Roadblocks were put up by the police.' The singular form is 'puts up a roadblock'.
Patterns
- someone puts up roadblocks on a road
- roadblocks are put up
The police put up roadblocks on all the main roads to catch the thieves.
Protesters put up roadblocks to stop the trucks from entering the city.
Word forms
| base form | put up roadblocks |
|---|---|
| past tense | put up roadblocks |
| present participle | putting up roadblocks |
Common combinations
- put up roadblocks to something
- The strict visa rules put up roadblocks to international travel.
- put up roadblocks for someone
- Bureaucracy puts up roadblocks for people trying to start a business.
- put up roadblocks against something
- The government put up roadblocks against foreign competition.
- constant roadblocks
- The team faced constant roadblocks in their research.
Synonyms and how they differ
- obstruct
- More formal and direct; it means to block or hinder, but does not use the road metaphor.
- hinder
- Focuses on making progress slow or difficult, not necessarily stopping it completely.
- impede
- A formal word meaning to delay or prevent something; often used in academic contexts.
Opposites
Word family
- roadblock noun
- A physical barrier or an obstacle.
Commonly confused: puts up roadblocks or put up with?
puts up roadblocks vs put up with
Means to tolerate something, not to create obstacles.
Practice
The new manager ___ roadblocks to every proposal we make. (Choose the correct form.)
Choose one answer.
The subject 'manager' is third-person singular, so the verb needs '-s': 'puts up'. 'Put up' is for plural or I/you. 'Putting up' is a participle and cannot be the main verb. 'Puts up with' means tolerates, which does not fit the meaning of creating obstacles.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “puts up roadblocks”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.