Antonyms for "smoothing the way" refer to making things difficult, complicated, or obstructed. The opposite of smoothing the way can involve creating obstacles, delays, and roadblocks. These can be intentional, like deliberately making a task harder than it needs to be, or unintentional, like disorganization or lack of communication. Other antonyms may include terms such as hindering, frustrating, or obstructing. When someone is not smoothing the way, they may be causing unnecessary challenges that slow progress or make tasks impossible to complete. Finding ways to overcome these obstacles becomes crucial to achieving success in any endeavor.