# put the brakes on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-the-brakes-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To stop (an event, action, or process) or to slow it down.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.