The phrase "lying athwart of" means obstructing or hindering something from progressing smoothly. There are several synonyms to describe this situation such as blocking, hindering, impeding, interfering, thwarting, stopping, suppressing, retarding, or frustrating. A roadblock on a highway leads to traffic jams, which could be an example of "lying athwart of" the smooth flow of cars. Similarly, bureaucratic red tape can be an obstacle for businesses, "lying athwart of" their progress. The phrase may suggest an unwelcome interruption that poses a challenge to navigate. While not always preventable, recognizing and overcoming the obstacles that "lie athwart of" us can help us move forward and achieve our goals.