# a short drop and a sudden stop

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/a-short-drop-and-a-sudden-stop
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A fall to one's death by hanging.

## Examples

- The old outlaw feared a short drop and a sudden stop.
- The judge sentenced the prisoner to a short drop and a sudden stop for his crimes.
- In the grim days of the frontier, the condemned man faced his final moments knowing he would meet a short drop and a sudden stop.

## Origin

The phrase relies upon the internal rhyme of *drop* with *stop* for its longevity. It remains a clinical, albeit rhythmic, description of the mechanics of judicial hanging.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.