Stop short of something/of doing something
phrase
To not do or say something because you are worried about the consequences or it is not comfortable for you.
He stopped short of calling his boss a liar.
Often appears as...
- stop short of calling
- stop short of saying
phrase
To suddenly stop because you are surprised or frightened.
She stopped short when she saw a snake on the path.
Often appears as...
- stop short in surprise
- stop short in fear
phrase
To not completely fulfill or not completely reach something.
The project fell just short of our fundraising goal.
Often appears as...
- stop short of the goal
- stop short of expectations
phrase
To not do or say something because you are worried about the consequences or it is not comfortable for you.
He stopped short of calling his boss a liar.
Often appears as...
- stop short of calling
- stop short of saying
phrase
To suddenly stop because you are surprised or frightened.
She stopped short when she saw a snake on the path.
Often appears as...
- stop short in surprise
- stop short in fear
phrase
To not completely fulfill or not completely reach something.
The project fell just short of our fundraising goal.
Often appears as...
- stop short of the goal
- stop short of expectations
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Disagreement
Used when you disagree but want to avoid direct conflict or keep the conversation polite.
I can't endorse this plan but I'll stop short of rejecting it outright.
Pro Tip 2/3Uncomfortable Truth
Signals that you're close to sharing a truth that could be uncomfortable for you or others.
He stopped short of revealing the team's actual performance.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Restraint
Shows self-control in emotional situations by not fully expressing feelings.
She stopped short of yelling, even though she was furious.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Disagreement
Used when you disagree but want to avoid direct conflict or keep the conversation polite.
I can't endorse this plan but I'll stop short of rejecting it outright.
Pro Tip 2/3Uncomfortable Truth
Signals that you're close to sharing a truth that could be uncomfortable for you or others.
He stopped short of revealing the team's actual performance.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Restraint
Shows self-control in emotional situations by not fully expressing feelings.
She stopped short of yelling, even though she was furious.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Disagreement
Used when you disagree but want to avoid direct conflict or keep the conversation polite.
I can't endorse this plan but I'll stop short of rejecting it outright.
Pro Tip 2/3Uncomfortable Truth
Signals that you're close to sharing a truth that could be uncomfortable for you or others.
He stopped short of revealing the team's actual performance.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Restraint
Shows self-control in emotional situations by not fully expressing feelings.
She stopped short of yelling, even though she was furious.
Never forget "Stop short of something/of doing something"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension