立たちはだかる

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

stand in the way; block the path

Literally standing with legs spread out to physically block someone's way; often implies a confrontational stance.

• 男おとこが道みちの真まん中なかに立たちはだかった。

  A man stood in the middle of the road, blocking the way.

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

stand in the way; obstruct; hinder

Figurative use: to obstruct progress, plans, or someone's path in life; often used for obstacles or opponents.

• 彼かれの前まえに立たちはだかる壁かべは大おおきかった。

  The wall standing in his way was huge.

• 改かい革かくの前まえに多おおくの困こん難なんが立たちはだかっている。

  Many difficulties stand in the way of reform.