Pull, bring, etc. somebody up short

usgb
verb phrase

To suddenly stop someone or make them stop their actions or speech.

His unexpected question pulled me up short.
Visual representation of "pull, bring, etc. somebody up short" - To suddenly stop someone or make them stop their actions or speech

Often appears as...

  • this news pulled me up short
  • his request brought me up short

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "pull, bring, etc. somebody up short"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sudden Interruption

Used when something happens unexpectedly, causing a person to stop what they're doing immediately.

Illustration for Sudden Interruption
She started to apologize, but his glare brought her up short.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Impact

The phrase often implies that the person is surprised or affected emotionally by the interruption.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
The sight of the injured animal pulled her up short.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literally

The stopping is usually metaphorical, not a physical halt. It's about stopping thoughts or actions.

Illustration for Not Literally
His confession pulled me up short; I had no reply.
Visual representation of the word "Pull, bring, etc. somebody up short"

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