low hurdles
Low FrequencySpecialized/Sport; Figurative/Informal
Definition
Meaning
A type of hurdling race in track and field where the obstacles are significantly shorter than those used in standard or high hurdles, typically set at a height of 30 inches (76.2 cm) for men.
A challenge, obstacle, or task of moderate difficulty, or a training or preliminary event designed to prepare someone for greater challenges.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a sports term, it refers to a specific, though less common, athletic event. In figurative use, it emphasizes manageable difficulty, suggesting a stepping stone rather than a major barrier.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties. The event itself may be more common in American collegiate athletics (often as 'low hurdles' or formerly as 'intermediate hurdles' at 30"). In the UK, the term 'low hurdles' is used descriptively, but the standard events are 'high hurdles' (110m/100m) and '400m hurdles'.
Connotations
In both: Literal = specific track event. Figurative = manageable obstacles. Slight connotation of being introductory or preparatory.
Frequency
Higher frequency in track & field contexts, especially in the US. Very low frequency in general conversation, where it is almost exclusively figurative.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + face + low hurdles[Subject] + clear/get over + (the) low hurdleslow hurdles + of + [Noun Phrase][Noun] + is/are + just/merely + a low hurdleVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be a low hurdle to clear”
- “the first low hurdle is the hardest”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
‘We've secured funding; now we just need to clear the low hurdles of final paperwork.’
Academic
‘The peer-review process presented several low hurdles before the research could be published.’
Everyday
‘Getting a driver's license was a low hurdle compared to learning parallel parking.’
Technical
‘The 300m low hurdles event requires a blend of speed and rhythm over ten 30-inch barriers.’
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team low-hurdled their way through the initial planning stages. (Note: This is a rare, non-standard verb formation used for example.)
American English
- She low-hurdled the administrative tasks before starting the real work. (Note: This is a rare, non-standard verb formation used for example.)
adverb
British English
- The legislation passed low-hurdle through the committee.
American English
- We progressed low-hurdle through the initial checks.
adjective
British English
- He had a low-hurdle approach to the problem, tackling the simplest parts first.
American English
- The low-hurdle phase of the project is complete; now the real work begins.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The first game was a low hurdle for the team.
- Finding a flat was a low hurdle compared to getting a mortgage.
- After the initial low hurdles of setting up the lab, the complex experimentation could begin.
- The regulatory low hurdles were cleared with alacrity, but the market's reception proved to be a far more formidable barrier.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'low' hurdles: you don't have to jump very high, so they're easier to get over than high ones.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS A RACE / DIFFICULTIES ARE PHYSICAL OBSTACLES
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'low hurdles' literally as 'низкие препятствия' in non-sport contexts, as it will sound odd. Use 'небольшие трудности', 'первоначальные препятствия'.
- Do not confuse with 'барьеры' alone, which could imply higher, more significant barriers.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'low hurdles' to describe a severe problem (semantic mismatch).
- Confusing it with 'stepping stones' (which are positive aids, not obstacles).
- Misspelling as 'low hurtles'.
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, 'low hurdles' best describes:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is less common than the standard high hurdles (110m/100m). It is primarily a training or developmental event, sometimes contested in younger age groups or specific competitions like the now-defunct men's 300m/200m low hurdles.
Yes, but it's most natural when describing a series of problems or obstacles that are part of a process leading to a larger goal. It carries a sense of sequential challenge.
'Low hurdles' suggests manageable, expected challenges that are part of a process. 'High hurdles' implies more significant, daunting obstacles that require greater effort to overcome.
As a sports term, it is formal within its domain. In general, figurative use, it is informal, suitable for business, journalism, and casual conversation.