Bring something to a grinding halt

usgb
verb phrase

To stop something suddenly or completely.

The sudden snowstorm brought the city's public transport to a grinding halt.
Visual representation of "bring something to a grinding halt" - To stop something suddenly or completely

Often appears as...

  • bring traffic to a grinding halt
  • bring production to a grinding halt

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "bring something to a grinding halt"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Immediate Stop

Used to emphasize an activity or process stopping suddenly and completely, without any gradual decline.

Illustration for Immediate Stop
A power outage brought the factory's operations to a grinding halt.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

Figurative use to describe any action or process ending abruptly, not just physical movement.

Illustration for Not Literal
When the CEO resigned, it brought the company's expansion to a grinding halt.
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Dramatic Effect

Adds drama or severity to a situation, indicating a forceful or impactful end.

Illustration for Dramatic Effect
The bad news brought the celebration to a grinding halt.
Visual representation of the word "Bring something to a grinding halt"

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