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to put the brakes on
[put] a brake on
[put] on the brakes
to put the brakes on
01
to prevent something from happening or making more progress
Idiom
Informal
What 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.
Examples
Faced with rising costs, the company had to put the brakes on their ambitious expansion plans.
02
to slow down or stop a vehicle by using the stopping mechanism
Collocation
Examples
He put the brakes on when he saw the red light ahead.
