Meaning of bring up short | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To arrest (someone or something's) forward motion; to halt before a goal is reached.
2. To startle or interrupt (someone), causing them to stop or reevaluate what they are doing.
   figuratively

Examples

“The soldiers spurred their horses forward but were brought up short by Lieutenant Montoya.”

“Frowning, Guld stepped forward, but was brought up short by the guardsman's hand.”

“As soon as its paws touched ground, it darted forward with an excited yelp, only to be brought up short by the ribbon around its neck.”

“I suppose things can go well for just so long before events bring you up short.”

“Some of us are lucky enough to have students who ask sharp questions that bring us up short and force us back to basic and difficult issues.”

“The article was intended to bring readers up short, to prompt in them a thought or two about why they were doing what, day in and day out.”

“Any minister to whom it might occur that a change would be desirable would certainly be brought up short at the prospect of alienating the heir to the throne.”

CEFR level