scoglio
rock; reef
noun SKOH-lyoh Rare
Origin: From Latin scopulus, from Greek skopos.
Also means
obstacle; stumbling block
Usage Note
Scoglio is masculine; the plural is scogli. It denotes a rock rising from the sea or a reef — nuotare tra gli scogli (to swim among the rocks). Figuratively, uno scoglio is a major obstacle or difficulty: il vero scoglio è il costo (the real stumbling block is the cost). Do not confuse with scollo (neckline).
Examples
"La barca si è arenata sullo scoglio."
Natural Translation
The boat ran aground on the rock.

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