bring someone up short

bring (one) up short

To cause one to abruptly stop doing something. The sudden blaring of the alarm brought me up short on my way down the hall. News of the reduction in funding brought our researchers up short. The anger in Tom's voice brought me up short because he's usually such an easygoing guy.

See also: bring, short, up

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

bring (or pull) someone up short

make someone check or pause abruptly.

See also: bring, short, someone, up

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017