Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

to-stop-someone-in-their-tracks

idiom

/tə stɑp ˈsʌmwʌn ɪn ðɛr trækz/

Definition

To suddenly stop someone from doing something or to prevent them from continuing their movement or action.

Examples

When he realized he had forgotten his wallet, that news stopped him in his tracks.
The unexpected question from the interviewer made her stop in her tracks for a moment.
Seeing the car speeding toward him stopped him in his tracks as he crossed the street.

Meaning

This phrase is commonly used to express the idea of interrupting or halting someone abruptly, usually when they were on a certain path or course of action.