Crossword Genius

Is in the way of progress (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

impedes

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'is' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'way of progress' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'way' could be 's' (Compass direction - South) and 's' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'impede' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'in the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for impedes that I've seen before include "checks" , "Hinders, obstructs" , "Obstructs, blocks" , "Hampers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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