BUMP IN THE ROAD is a metaphor for an obstacle or difficulty that one may encounter in life. The crossword solutions SNAG and REARENDER are both related to this metaphor. SNAG is a four letter word meaning to catch or entangle, while REARENDER is a nine letter word meaning to collide with the back of something. Both words can be used to describe the idea of a bump in the road, as they both imply a sudden, unexpected obstacle.