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3. put the brakes on

put the brakes on

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put the brakes on someone

Fig. to block someone's activities; to cause someone to stop doing something. (Based on put the brakes on something.) The boss put the brakes on Gerald, who was trying too aggressively to get promoted. We are going to have to put the brakes on you if you make any more difficulties.

See also: brake, on, put

put the brakes on something

to halt or impede some process. The manager had to put the brakes on the Wilson project due to lack of funds. We will put the brakes on this project because it is costing too much money.

See also: brake, on, put

put the brakes on somebody/something

to slow or stop the progress of someone or something People who live here want to put the brakes on plans to build so many new houses. More than a foot of snow on the ground put the brakes on travel in the region.

See also: brake, on, put

put the brakes on

to stop an activity The government has put the brakes on any further spending.

See also: brake, on, put