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3. hit the brakes

hit the brakes

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hit the brakes

 

1. Lit. to step on a vehicle's brakes hard and fast. I came around the curve too fast and had to hit the brakes immediately.

2. Fig. to stop [something]. The project seemed to be getting nowhere so we hit the brakes before too much more money was spent.

See also: brake, hit

hit the brakes

to suddenly slow down or stop a vehicle Maggie hit the brakes, making her car go out of control.

See also: brake, hit