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in the way

/ɪn ðə weɪ/
/ɪn ðə weɪ/
IPA guide

When something is in the way, it's blocking someone or something. If someone is in the way, you can't wait for that person to move.

Your way can mean your path. When something is in the way, that path is blocked. A roadblock is in the way of travelers. In football, the offensive line tries to stay in the way of the defense so they can't tackle the quarterback. Being in the way isn't always physical. Fear could get in the way of taking a trip. Lack of money gets in the way of buying things. Any hindrance, impediment, or obstruction is in the way.

Definitions of in the way
  1. adverb
    forming a hindrance, impediment, or obstruction
    synonyms: in someone's way
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