Pull up short Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To stop suddenly or unexpectedly, often when moving. It can be used for vehicles or people literally stopping, or when someone abruptly ends an action or stops speaking.
Usage & Nuances
Most common in narrative or storytelling. Literal for vehicles and people stopping; figurative for conversation or actions. Not generally used for technical contexts. Often used with 'when' or explanations for the sudden stop ('She pulled up short when she saw the dog').
Example Sentences
The car pulled up short when a cat ran across the road.
basic
He pulled up short at the door, surprised to find it locked.
basic
She pulled up short in the middle of her sentence.
basic
I pulled up short when I realized I was going the wrong way.
natural
We pulled up short outside the restaurant because it looked closed.
natural
You could see him pull up short at the mention of her name.
natural