stand in the way
idiom
: to prevent something
—often + of
We won't let anyone or anything stand in the way of our happiness.
Examples of stand in the way in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ronit’s dad dies in the first scene, and Esti’s husband, Dovid, is essentially a plot device invented to stand in the way of Ronit and Esti’s lesbian lust.
—
The Rachel Weisz Gay Index, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2023
But numerous obstacles threaten to stand in the way.
—Aurora Almendral, Quartz, 13 Apr. 2023
There was still no evidence of a lab leak, but so much remained unknown — and China seemed so determined to stand in the way of answers — that more scientists began urging a closer look.
—Benjamin Mueller, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2023
The courts will often stand in the way of a property owner that wants to terminate a lease or take other draconian actions.
—Joshua Stein, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for stand in the way
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
The Rachel Weisz Gay Index, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2023
But numerous obstacles threaten to stand in the way.
—Aurora Almendral, Quartz, 13 Apr. 2023
There was still no evidence of a lab leak, but so much remained unknown — and China seemed so determined to stand in the way of answers — that more scientists began urging a closer look.
—Benjamin Mueller, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2023
The courts will often stand in the way of a property owner that wants to terminate a lease or take other draconian actions.
—Joshua Stein, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for stand in the way
Cite this Entry
“Stand in the way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand%20in%20the%20way. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share