Crossword Genius

Obstacle in late finish (4,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dead end

'obstacle' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'late finish' is the wordplay.
'late' becomes 'dead' (similar in meaning).
'finish' becomes 'end' (synonyms).
'dead'+'end'='DEAD END'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for dead end that I've seen before include "Where no progress can be made" , "Impasse" , "A blind alley, point of no further progress" , "Blind alley or situation without prospects" , "that's leading nowhere" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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