Get in the Way
phrasal verb
Definition
1. To physically block someone’s path or space.
2. To prevent something from happening.
2. To prevent something from happening.
Context Alive
The kitchen was chaos — pots boiling, timers buzzing, and everyone rushing around trying to get dinner ready. Her little brother kept getting in the way, standing right where people needed to move, so she almost tripped over him twice and finally asked him to wait in the living room.
Meanings
2 meanings 1 Physically Block Someone's Path or Space (Verb phrase) — VERY COMMON Common ▼
This meaning is about physically blocking someone’s path or space. Imagine carrying boxes through a hallway and your roommate’s bike is right in the middle — it’s getting in the way and you can’t get through. This is something getting in the way — blocking movement. You might ask someone to move because they’re getting in the way, or a parked car could get in the way of your driveway. Or picture taking a photo but someone keeps walking through the shot. The word carries a sense of frustration.
Vivid ExampleThe movers were trying to carry the new couch through the front door, but the old bookshelf was getting in the way, blocking the entire entrance. They had to stop, push it aside, and clear a path before they could finally squeeze the couch through.
2 Prevent Something from Happening (Verb phrase) — VERY COMMON Common ▼
This meaning is about something that stops or prevents things from happening. Imagine wanting to travel the world, but your fear of flying keeps getting in the way, stopping you from ever booking that trip. This is getting in the way — acting as an invisible barrier. You might say work gets in the way of family time, or pride could get in the way of saying sorry. Or picture a student who loves music but homework always gets in the way of practice. The word suggests something blocking your plans. ✏️ People often say “Don’t let fear get in the way” or “Don’t let anything get in the way of your dreams” — it’s a very common way of giving encouragement or advice.
Vivid ExampleShe had always dreamed of studying abroad, but financial problems kept getting in the way, forcing her to postpone her plans year after year. When she finally got a scholarship, she burst into tears of relief.
Examples from the Street
“Don’t let fear get in the way of what you really want.”
Don’t allow being scared to stop you from chasing your true goals
“Move — you’re getting in the way!”
Step aside — you’re blocking me / you’re in my path!
“I’d love to travel more, but work always gets in the way.”
I’d love to see more places, but my job constantly prevents it from happening
Common Patterns
don’t let (something) get in the way (of) → don’t allow something to prevent you from doing what matters
(something) always/keeps getting in the way → something repeatedly prevents progress or plans
get in the way of (someone’s) plans/goals/dreams → obstruct or block what someone is trying to achieve
nothing is going to get in the way (of) → expressing strong determination that no obstacle will stop you
life gets in the way → everyday responsibilities and unexpected events prevent you from doing what you want
emotions/feelings get in the way → personal feelings cloud judgment or prevent rational action
get in the way (of someone) → physically block someone’s path or space
you’re getting in the way → you’re standing where I need to be / you’re blocking me
get in the way of (traffic/movement) → physically obstruct the flow of people or vehicles
Collocations
3 collocationsdon't let it get in the way
don't allow it to become an obstacle
emotions got in the way
feelings prevented clear thinking
get in the way of progress
block forward movement
Example Sentences
12 examples
1
Don’t let your ego get in the way of a genuine apology — just say sorry and mean it
Don’t allow your pride to prevent you from expressing real regret — simply admit your fault and be sincere about it.
2
I wanted to learn guitar, but life keeps getting in the way — between work and the kids, there’s no time
I wanted to pick up a musical instrument, but daily responsibilities constantly prevent it — between my job and the children, there’s zero space in my schedule.
3
She’s talented, but her anxiety gets in the way every time she has to perform in front of people
She’s gifted, but her nervousness blocks her ability every time she has to appear before an audience.
4
Can you move your bag? It’s getting in the way and everyone keeps tripping over it
Could you shift your belongings? They’re blocking the path and people keep stumbling on them.
5
Nothing is going to get in the way of me finishing this degree — I’ve worked too hard to quit now
No obstacle will stop me from completing this qualification — I’ve put in too much effort to give up at this point.
6
Their personal problems got in the way of the project and the whole team suffered
Their private issues interfered with the assignment and the entire group paid the price.
7
I try not to let emotions get in the way when I’m making big financial decisions
I try not to allow feelings to cloud my judgement when I’m dealing with major money choices.
8
We had plans to go travelling after university, but then jobs and relationships got in the way
We intended to explore the world after graduating, but then careers and partners took over and it never happened.
9
Stop getting in the way of the builders — let them do their work
Quit blocking the construction workers — allow them to carry on with their tasks.
10
I’d love to help, but I don’t want to get in the way — you seem to have everything under control
I’d be happy to assist, but I don’t want to be an obstacle — it looks like you’ve got it all handled.
Learner Examples
★
Don’t let shyness get in the way of practising your speaking — making mistakes is how you improve
Don’t allow being timid to prevent you from exercising your conversation skills — errors are the path to progress.
★
Sometimes the fear of sounding silly gets in the way and students just stay quiet instead of trying to speak
Sometimes the worry about coming across as foolish blocks learners and they simply remain silent rather than attempting to express themselves.
Phrasal Verbs & Idioms
1 items
Phrasal Verbsstand in the way — prevent something from happening
Don't let fear stand in the way of your dreams.
Synonyms & Antonyms
7 items
Synonymsinterfere
blocking or disrupting something
obstruct
preventing progress
hinder
making something more difficult
block
standing in the path of something
Antonymshelp
making something easier
facilitate
enabling progress
clear the way
removing obstacles