Put the brakes on Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To slow down, stop, or limit something that is happening or developing, especially progress, activities, or plans.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic, somewhat informal expression, often used in business, politics, or everyday conversation to talk about stopping or slowing change or progress. Common collocations include 'put the brakes on spending', 'put the brakes on a project', or 'put the brakes on inflation'. Not about literal braking in vehicles.
Example Sentences
The government decided to put the brakes on the new law.
basic
They had to put the brakes on spending when the company lost money.
basic
Parents sometimes need to put the brakes on their children's activities.
basic
If we don't put the brakes on climate change soon, it might be too late.
natural
The project was moving too fast, so management decided to put the brakes on.
natural
We really need to put the brakes on before things get out of hand.
natural