stumbling block in front of vs stumbling block before

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Stumbling block in front of' is used to indicate a physical obstacle that is ahead of someone, while 'stumbling block before' is more commonly used in a figurative sense to refer to an obstacle or difficulty that someone is facing.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 474 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a physical obstacle that is ahead of someone.

"stumbling block in front of"

This phrase is used to describe a physical obstacle or hindrance that is located in the path ahead of a person or object.

Examples:

He saw the stumbling block in front of him and managed to avoid it.
The fallen tree was a stumbling block in front of the hikers.
There was a huge rock acting as a stumbling block in front of the car.
The construction site posed a stumbling block in front of the workers.
The deep pothole was a stumbling block in front of the cyclists.

Show examples from the web [+]

You must not curse a deaf person or put a stumbling block in front of a blind person. You must fear your God; I am the LORD. GOD'S WORD® Translation
Provided by Canfei Nesharim, providing Torah wisdom about the importance of protecting our environment. “You shall not place a stumbling block in front of a ...
You must not ·curse [or belittle] a deaf person or put ·something [a stumbling block] in front of a blind person to make him fall [Deut. 27:18]. But you must · respect ...
... (Sanctification of God's name) · Lashon hara (Derogatory information); Lifnei iver (Stumbling block in front of the blind); Noahide laws · You shall not murder.

Alternatives:

obstacle in front of
hindrance in front of
barrier in front of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in a figurative sense to refer to an obstacle or difficulty that someone is facing.

"stumbling block before"

This phrase is used figuratively to describe an obstacle or difficulty that someone is encountering or dealing with.

Examples:

The lack of funding was a stumbling block before the project could proceed.
Her fear of public speaking was a stumbling block before her career advancement.
The language barrier was a stumbling block before their communication.
The unresolved issues were a stumbling block before their relationship.
The legal restrictions were a stumbling block before the company's expansion.

Show examples from the web [+]

The Bible states (Leviticus 19:14): "You shall not curse the deaf nor place a stumbling block before the blind; you shall fear your God - I am your Lord." In Hebrew ...
'You shall not curse a deaf man, nor place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the LORD. King James Bible Thou shalt not ...
According to this midrash, we are prohibited from placing a figurative stumbling block before a person by either: Providing incorrect information which may cause ...
"Do not place a stumbling block before the blind" (Leviticus 19:14) can also mean ... Interesting how that portion that says don't put a stumbling block before the ...

Alternatives:

obstacle before
difficulty before
challenge before

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stumbling block in front of vs stumbling block before