Pull, bring, etc. somebody up short
verb phrase
To suddenly stop someone or make them stop their actions or speech.
His unexpected question pulled me up short.
Often appears as...
- this news pulled me up short
- his request brought me up short
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To suddenly stop someone or make them stop their actions or speech.
His unexpected question pulled me up short.
Often appears as...
- this news pulled me up short
- his request brought me up short
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Sudden Interruption
Used when something happens unexpectedly, causing a person to stop what they're doing immediately.
She started to apologize, but his glare brought her up short.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Impact
The phrase often implies that the person is surprised or affected emotionally by the interruption.
The sight of the injured animal pulled her up short.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literally
The stopping is usually metaphorical, not a physical halt. It's about stopping thoughts or actions.
His confession pulled me up short; I had no reply.
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