From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishstand in somebody’s waystand in somebody’s way (also stand in the way)PREVENT to prevent someone from doing something I always encouraged Brian. I didn’t want to stand in his way. You can’t stand in the way of progress! → stand
Examples from the Corpus
stand in somebody’s way• Nothing seemed to stand in the way.• With luck, fewer barriers may stand in the way.• Labor-Management Cooperation Many public managers believe that unions are the greatest obstacle standing in the way of entrepreneurial government.• Even worse, some think public relations stands in the way of getting at the real facts.• North West side Brigade stand in the way of North Down's success - and they look to be formidable opposition.• I wouldn't want to stand in the way of progress.• All that stood in the way of victory was a touch of bad luck.• Shelford was at full throttle and all that stood in his way to a four pointer was the frail-looking frame of Roebuck. 