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to put the brakes on
01
to prevent something from happening or making more progress
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "put the brakes on something" and when to use it?
The idiom "put the brakes on something" originates from the literal action of applying brakes to slow down or stop a vehicle. It has been figuratively extended to describe the act of slowing down, reducing the pace, or stopping the progress of a particular activity, plan, or situation. The idiom emphasizes taking deliberate steps to control or limit the momentum of something, often in response to concerns about its speed or potential consequences.
Example
Faced with rising costs, the company had to put the brakes on their ambitious expansion plans.
Concerns about environmental impact led the government to put the brakes on the construction of the new highway.
We need to put on the brakes and reconsider our plans before moving forward.
02
to slow down or stop a vehicle by using the stopping mechanism
CollocationExample
He put the brakes on when he saw the red light ahead.
She put a brake on the car when the light turned red.
The driver put on the brakes hard as the light turned yellow.
