put the brakes on
To stop (an event, action, or process) or to slow it down.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We need to put the brakes on this project for now.”
“The manager decided to put the brakes on the new marketing campaign until the budget is approved.”
“Fearing that the rapid expansion would lead to financial instability, the board of directors chose to put the brakes on all new investments.”
- 01
lipstick on a pig
To make superficial or cosmetic changes to something in a doomed attempt to disguise its fundamental flaws.
- 02
not to put too fine a point on it
Used to apologize for a possibly impolite statement one is making; to put it bluntly; to express it in plain terms.
- 03
put a band-aid on a bullet wound
To inadequately treat a serious situation.
- 04
put a blanket over
Make (something) seem less serious.
- 05
put a bug in someone's ear
To make a small suggestion or give a hint that causes the listener to act.
- 06
put a damper on
To stop people from enjoying an activity.
- 07
put a foot wrong
To make a mistake.
- 08
put a gun to someone's head
To compel someone (to do something); to create a situation in which someone has no alternative course of action.
Last updated August 10, 2026