bring up short

== English == === Verb === bring up short (third-person singular simple present brings up short, present participle bringing up short, simple past and past participle brought up short) To arrest (someone or something's) forward motion; to halt before a goal is reached. (figurative) To startle or interrupt (someone), causing them to stop or reevaluate what they are doing. ==== Synonyms ==== pull up short === See also === hit the buffers in one's tracks