Jam on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈdʒæm/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

JAM-awn

UK

dʒˈæm/ /ˈɒn

JAM-on

Definition

To press down suddenly and forcefully, often used for brakes or pedals in a car.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly used informally for cars and bicycles: 'jam on the brakes' means stopping quickly. Not interchangeable with 'step on' (which is more general). Usually involves urgency or emergency. Rare in formal writing.

• Spanish: pisar de golpe (freno) - apretar fuerte (freno)
• Portuguese (BR): pisar forte (freio) - pressionar com força (freio)
• Portuguese (PT): carregar no (travão) - pisar de repente (travão)
• Chinese (Simplified): 猛踩（刹车）- 用力踩（刹车）
• Chinese (Traditional): 猛踩（煞車）- 用力踩（煞車）
• Hindi: जोर से दबाना (ब्रेक)
• Arabic: الضغط بقوة على (الفرامل)
• Bengali: জোরে চাপা (ব্রেক)
• Russian: резко нажать (на тормоз)
• Japanese: 強く踏む（ブレーキ）
• Vietnamese: đạp mạnh (phanh)
• Korean: 세게 밟다 (브레이크)
• Turkish: bastırmak (frene)
• Urdu: زور سے دبانا (بریک)
• Indonesian: menginjak kuat (rem)

Example Sentences

He had to jam on the brakes to avoid hitting the dog.

basic

If you see a red light, jam on the brakes immediately.

basic

Don't jam on the pedals too hard or you'll wear them out.

basic

The car in front stopped suddenly, so I had to jam on my brakes.

natural

I nearly missed my stop, so I had to jam on the brakes on my bike.

natural

Whenever I see a squirrel run across the road, I instinctively jam on the brakes.

natural