What does “Put the brakes on” mean?
"Put the brakes on" means to slow down or stop something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He quickly put the brakes on the project after realizing it was not feasible.
Example
The teacher put the brakes on the students' disruptive behavior.
Example
The government decided to put the brakes on the proposed tax increase
Is “Put the brakes on” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Put the brakes on” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Put the brakes on” effectively in context?
You can use "Put the Brakes On" to indicate the need to slow down or stop the progress of something. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Project Management
He quickly put the brakes on the project after realizing it was not feasible.
- 2Classroom Management
The teacher put the brakes on the students' disruptive behavior.
- 3Government Policies
The government decided to put the brakes on the proposed tax increase.
Similar phrases to “Put the brakes on”:
To bring to a stop or cause to stop
Example
The company decided to halt production due to supply chain issues.
To stop or come to an end
Example
The noise ceased as soon as the power went out.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Put the brakes on” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Put the Brakes On" is related to the literal action of applying brakes to a vehicle to slow down or stop. It is used metaphorically to mean slowing down or stopping the progress or continuation of something.
Is “Put the brakes on” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Put the Brakes On" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to convey the idea of slowing down or stopping the progress of something.
What tone does “Put the brakes on” have?
"Put the Brakes On" conveys a tone of caution and control. It is often used to indicate the need to slow down or stop something for various reasons, such as reassessing, preventing negative consequences, or maintaining order.
Can “Put the brakes on” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Put the Brakes On" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations as well as professional contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He decided to put the brakes on the project.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "put the brakes on"!' to imply the need to slow down or stop something.
