ran a roadblock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ran a roadblock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone encounters or creates an obstacle or barrier, often in a figurative sense, such as in discussions about progress or challenges. Example: "The unexpected budget cuts ran a roadblock in our project timeline, forcing us to reevaluate our resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Girumuhatse ran a roadblock.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After the Saturday bombing, the Army adopted stricter rules about checkpoints, forbidding anyone to run a roadblock.

The New York Times

Omar, a 15-year-old boy, sat on the roadside weeping, drenched in the blood of his father, shot dead by American marines for running a roadblock here.

The New York Times

For the Ford family, there is still anger at how Secretary of State Alexander Haig suggested that the women had been killed in an exchange of gunfire while running a roadblock.

The New York Times

When the violence he'd anticipated finally hit the refuge when, on January 26, LaVoy Finicum was shot after he'd tried to run a roadblock and flee the FBI operation in which Bundy and his inner circle were arrested Wes seemed to unravel.

Vice

U.C.L.A. ran into a roadblock while Oregon's Maurice Morris ran for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead the Ducks past sixth-ranked U.C.L.A., 29-10, for their 17th straight home victory and the Bruins' seventh consecutive road loss.

The New York Times - Sports

When Luc Vandal and the Edovia team ran into a roadblock in 2012 while trying to work on the next version of their popular remote login app Screens 3, they set it aside.

TechCrunch

Transmeta 's campaign to be the Intel of the future ran into a roadblock today.

Forbes

Then they ran into a roadblock.

The New York Times - Tech

But Mr. Cordero, a Brooklyn resident, ran into a roadblock.

The New York Times

When her car ran into a roadblock, she knew from her training what to look for.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ran a roadblock", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it is a literal physical barrier or a figurative obstacle. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "ran a roadblock" in ambiguous situations where it's unclear if you're referring to a physical checkpoint or a metaphorical obstacle. This can lead to misinterpretation. If unclear, choose a more precise term or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ran a roadblock" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing an action. It indicates either a literal attempt to pass through a physical barrier or, more figuratively, encountering an obstruction that hinders progress.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ran a roadblock" is deemed correct and usable in English, though it appears infrequently. Primarily used in news and media, it describes either a literal attempt to breach a checkpoint or a figurative encounter with an obstacle. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase implies encountering or creating an obstacle. Be mindful of clarity, ensuring the context makes clear whether the roadblock is literal or figurative. If there's potential for ambiguity, it may be beneficial to use synonyms such as "encountered an obstacle" or "hit a barrier".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ran into difficulties

Broader term indicating the experience of encountering general problems.

Hit a barrier

Emphasizes the abruptness of encountering an obstacle, similar to a physical barrier.

Encountered an obstacle

Focuses on the general act of facing a hindrance, differing from the specific scenario of a roadblock.

Met an impediment

Similar to encountering an obstacle, but highlights the restrictive nature of the challenge.

Faced a hurdle

Implies a challenge that requires effort to overcome, rather than simply being stopped.

Stumbled upon a difficulty

Suggests an unexpected encounter with a challenging situation.

Confronted a challenge

Focuses on actively facing a difficult situation, implying a more deliberate approach.

Met with resistance

Highlights opposition or pushback as the primary obstacle.

Reached a standstill

Emphasizes the state of being unable to proceed, differing from actively trying to overcome something.

Was thwarted

Highlights the act of being prevented from achieving a goal by external forces.

FAQs

What does "ran a roadblock" mean?

The phrase "ran a roadblock" can have two meanings. Literally, it means to drive a vehicle through a checkpoint or barrier. Figuratively, it means to encounter an obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress.

What can I say instead of "ran a roadblock"?

Alternatives include "encountered an obstacle", "hit a barrier", or "ran into difficulties", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "ran into a roadblock" or "ran a roadblock"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "ran into a roadblock" is more common when referring to encountering an unexpected obstacle. "Ran a roadblock" implies a more deliberate action of attempting to pass through a barrier.

How can I use "ran a roadblock" in a sentence?

Example: "The company's expansion plans "ran into difficulties" when they "ran a roadblock" with new environmental regulations."