In the way Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈweɪ
IN-thuh-WAY
ˈɪn/ /ðə, ði/ /wˈeɪ
IN-thuh-WAY
Definition
If something or someone is 'in the way,' they are blocking you or making it difficult for you to do something or move somewhere.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal and physical, but also used metaphorically. Common with verbs like 'stand', 'be', or 'get'. Do not confuse with 'on the way' (meaning 'coming soon' or 'en route').
Spanish: en medio - en el caminoPortuguese (BR): no caminho - atrapalhandoPortuguese (PT): no caminho - a estorvarChinese (Simplified): 挡路 - 妨碍Chinese (Traditional): 擋路 - 妨礙Hindi: रास्ते मेंArabic: في الطريق - يعترض الطريقBengali: আড়ালে - পথে বাধাRussian: на пути - мешатьJapanese: 邪魔 - 邪魔になるVietnamese: cản đường - cản trởKorean: 방해가 되다 - 길을 막다Turkish: yolunda - engelUrdu: راستے میںIndonesian: menghalangi - di jalan
Example Sentences
The chair is in the way.
basic
Please move, you're in the way.
basic
Don't leave your bag in the way.
basic
Sorry, am I in the way?
natural
Nothing will get in the way of my dreams.
natural
Her work always seems to be in the way of her social life.
natural