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# a hiccup

phrase (noun: a hiccup, hiccups)

«a hiccup» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, informal) a small problem or delay.
2. (literal) a sudden sharp sound from the throat that you cannot stop.

### In the lessons

Everyday and news use; companies and coaches say «a hiccup» to make a problem sound small; all regions.

### Examples

- There was a slight hiccup with the tickets, but it's fixed now.
- The team had a hiccup in the second half.
- I've got hiccups — give me some water.
- Company: «A minor hiccup delayed deliveries.»
- Every big project has a few hiccups.
- The baby keeps getting hiccups after milk.

### Note

As a euphemism, it stands for «a problem» — sometimes a big one dressed as small. Also spelt «hiccough» (same sound). «Hiccups» (plural) usually means the body sound.