What does “Stop cold” mean?
"Stop cold" means to suddenly stop or come to a complete halt.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The car stopped cold in the middle of the road.
Example
He stopped cold when he saw the spider crawling on his arm.
Example
The music stopped cold as soon as the power went out
Is “Stop cold” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Stop cold” 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 “Stop cold” effectively in context?
You can use "Stop Cold" to describe a sudden and complete stop or halt. It emphasizes the abruptness and immediacy of the action. For example, if you want to describe a car that suddenly stops in the middle of the road, you can say, 'The car "stopped cold" in the middle of the road.'
- 1Driving
The car stopped cold in the middle of the road.
- 2Fear
He stopped cold when he saw the spider crawling on his arm.
- 3Power outage
The music stopped cold as soon as the power went out.
Similar phrases to “Stop cold”:
Come to a screeching halt
To suddenly stop with a loud screeching sound
Example
The car came to a screeching halt to avoid hitting the pedestrian.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Stop cold” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Stop Cold" is unknown.
Is “Stop cold” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Stop Cold" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe sudden and complete stops or halts in various situations.
What tone does “Stop cold” have?
"Stop Cold" conveys a tone of suddenness and surprise. It is often used to emphasize the unexpected nature of a stop or halt.
Can “Stop cold” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Stop Cold" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in everyday conversations as well as in more formal situations.
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, 'The car "stopped cold" in the middle of the road.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "stop cold"!' to imply a sudden stop or halt.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- sudden stop
- abrupt halt
- instant freeze
- immediate standstill
- halting abruptly
Antonyms
- continue
- keep going
- flow smoothly
- gradual slowdown
- slowly come to a stop
