ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stop someone in their tracks

idiom
Meaning

To prevent someone from continuing along a path or way, literal or figurative, he has begun going along.


Examples
SIMPLE

The loud noise stopped him in his tracks.

CONTEXTUAL

The sudden news of the company closing stopped the employees in their tracks as they walked into the office.

COMPLEX

The breathtaking view from the mountain peak stopped the weary hikers in their tracks, making them forget the exhaustion of the long climb.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a short drop and a sudden stop

    A fall to one's death by hanging.

  2. 02

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  3. 03

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  4. 04

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  5. 05

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  6. 06

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  7. 07

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  8. 08

    catch someone napping

    To take advantage of someone's inattention.

Last updated April 17, 2026