Hit the brakes Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To press the brake pedal in a vehicle to slow down or stop. It can also be used figuratively to mean suddenly stopping or slowing down any action or progress.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, mainly used for cars, trucks, or bikes; can be used figuratively for stopping actions. Commonly used as 'suddenly hit the brakes.' Don't confuse with 'step on the gas,' which means to speed up.
Example Sentences
I had to hit the brakes when the dog ran into the street.
basic
Please hit the brakes slowly so we don’t jerk forward.
basic
When you see the red light, hit the brakes immediately.
basic
We were about to miss the turn, so I had to really hit the brakes.
natural
He needs to hit the brakes on his spending before he runs out of money.
natural
When things started moving too fast at work, my boss told us to hit the brakes and rethink our plan.
natural