Grammar fix
a hurdle
a serious difficulty
A difficulty that you must overcome before you can achieve something.
collocation
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The biggest hurdle to expanding the business is finding enough trained staff.
The main hurdle for me was the cost of studying abroad, so I worked part-time and saved for two years.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I finally passed the biggest hurdle – the language test.
Say: I finally got over the biggest hurdle – the language test.
You 'get over', 'clear' or 'overcome' a hurdle, not 'pass' it.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Something that makes progress harder
How obstructiveMinor problemMajor obstacle
a snagAn unexpected problem that complicates progress.
a hurdleYou're here · A difficulty that must be overcome to make progress.
a stumbling blockA difficulty that seriously obstructs progress or agreement.