hit a snag
Meaning: To run into an unexpected problem.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The renovation was on schedule until we hit a snag with the plumbing.”
Category: Nature
Origin: A snag was a tree trunk or branch lurking just below the surface of a river, a hazard for boats. By the 19th century writers used striking one for any unexpected difficulty.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: faire un couac — literally: to make a squawk
More idioms — Nature
- rise from the ashes — To be reborn or rebuilt after destruction or failure.
- shed light on — To help explain something or make it clearer.
- blow a gale — Of the wind: to blow extremely hard.
- throw caution to the wind — To stop being careful and take a risk.
- do a moonlight flit — To leave one's home secretly at night, usually to avoid paying rent or debts.
- in the middle of nowhere — In a very remote place, far from towns.
More English idioms
- something fishy is going on — Something suspicious is happening.
- take French leave — To leave without saying goodbye or asking permission.
- dress to the nines — To dress very smartly or elaborately.
- with one hand tied behind one's back — Very easily; or, when forced on someone, at a great disadvantage.
- have friends in high places — To know influential people who can help one.
- get to the bottom of it — To discover the real cause or truth of a matter.
From our compliments & insults
- Eres todo un personaje — Said with deep affection: you're unforgettable, one of a kind, impossible to replace.
- Sei una forza della natura — You're unstoppable — your energy and drive are bigger than any obstacle.
- Hai le mani d'oro — You're extraordinarily skilled with your hands — a craftsperson, cook, or fixer of legend…