Bring up short Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɹɪŋ/ /ˈəp/ /ˈʃɔɹt
BRING-UP-SHORT
bɹˈɪŋ/ /ˈʌp/ /ʃˈɔːt
bring-UP-SHAWT
Definition
To make someone suddenly stop or pause, usually because they are surprised or shocked by something.
Usage & Nuances
This expression is mainly used in written or narrative English. Often appears as 'was brought up short' in passive form. Common for emotional or unexpected interruptions, not just physical. Not used for casual, everyday minor stops.
Spanish: dejar sorprendido - detener bruscamentePortuguese (BR): paralisar de surpresa - interromper de repentePortuguese (PT): parar de surpresa - interromper bruscamenteChinese (Simplified): 让人愣住 - 使突然停下Chinese (Traditional): 讓人愣住 - 使突然停下Hindi: अचरज में डाल देना - अचानक रोक देनाArabic: يوقف فجأة - يفاجئBengali: হঠাৎ থামিয়ে দেওয়া - অবাক করে দেওয়াRussian: ошеломить - резко остановитьJapanese: 突然立ち止まらせる - 驚かせるVietnamese: làm ai đó dừng lại đột ngột - làm ai đó ngạc nhiênKorean: 갑자기 멈추게 하다 - 깜짝 놀라게 하다Turkish: birini aniden durdurmak - birini şaşırtmakUrdu: اچانک روک دینا - حیران کر دیناIndonesian: membuat berhenti mendadak - mengejutkan
Example Sentences
The news brought him up short.
basic
Her question brought the teacher up short.
basic
The loud noise brought me up short as I was walking.
basic
I was brought up short by his unexpected reply—it wasn’t what I expected at all.
natural
The sight of the accident brought her up short halfway down the street.
natural
His harsh words brought me up short, and I didn’t know how to respond.
natural