Snag
/snæɡ/
nounverbB1
Definition
As a noun, a snag means a difficulty or unexpected problem that makes something harder to do or finish. As a verb, it means to catch or tear something by accident on a sharp or rough object, like fabric getting caught on a nail.
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See It in Action
Noun: A small problem or difficulty that causes delay or trouble
- •We hit a snag in our project when the computer stopped working.
- •The trip went well except for a snag with the hotel reservation.
- •There was a snag in the plan, but we fixed it quickly.
Verb: To catch or tear something by accident on a sharp or rough edge
- •She snagged her sweater on a nail and made a hole.
- •Be careful not to snag your coat on the fence.
- •The fishing line snagged on a rock underwater.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "snag" like "problem" (A1 word), but usually a small, sudden, or hidden problem that stops you for a moment
- ✓Picture your sweater catching on a nail and pulling a thread—that little tear or catch is a snag
- ✓It's the feeling when you want to finish a task but suddenly hit a small obstacle that slows you down
- ✓Sounds like "snag" → imagine a small hook snagging (catching) your clothes or your plan
- ✓Remember when you are walking and your shoe lace gets stuck on a rock—that unexpected stop is a snag
- ✓NOT like "big problem" (huge or serious), snag is usually small but annoying
- ✓NOT like "planned stop" — a snag is unexpected and unwanted
- ✓As a verb, NOT like "cut" (which is clean), snag means a rough or accidental catch or tear
Try Other Words
- •Hitch: a small difficulty or delay (Use when the problem is temporary and usually fixed quickly)
- •Catch: to get stuck on something (Use when focusing on the physical action of something getting caught)
- •Obstacle: something that blocks progress (Use when the difficulty is bigger or more serious)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix) — the word "snag" is a short, simple root word
- •Etymology: From Old Norse "snagg" meaning a rough or sharp point, like a projecting branch or sharp part
- •Historical development: Originally meant a sharp or rough stick or branch that could catch on things; later used for problems or catches in plans or things
- •Modern usage: Used both for physical catching/tearing and for small problems or delays in plans or actions
Reflect & Connect
•Can a small snag sometimes lead to a bigger problem? How do you handle snags in your daily life?
•How do you feel when a snag stops your progress? Does it make you more careful or frustrated?
Fill in the blanks
1.We encountered a snag in our plans because the ___ was not available on time.
2.She snagged her dress on the fence, which caused a ___ in the fabric.
3.A snag in the project usually means a small ___ that can be fixed quickly.
4.The fishing line snagged ___ a rock under the water.
5.When you hit a snag, it often causes a ___ or short delay.
6.Unlike a big problem, a snag is usually ___ but annoying.
7.They managed to fix the snag and ___ the work on schedule.