stop short
Idioms-
Also, stop one short . Check abruptly, as in When we tried to cross the street, the barrier stopped us short . [Early 1300s]
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Cause someone to stop speaking, as in I was about to tell them the date when my father stopped me short . [Late 1800s]
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stop short of . Not go so far as to do or say something. For example, He may embroider the truth but he stops short of actually lying . This usage was first recorded in 1818.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They also work to flag needed updates to a person’s estate plan, but they stop short of giving legal advice or drafting documents.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 6, 2026
The paper naturally raises questions about AI, but the authors stop short of claiming that current AI systems are conscious.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 24, 2026
Some of his advisers and supporters urge him to stop short of a change of regime in Tehran.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 17, 2026
It will stop short of individually tailored advice, which can only be provided by an authorised financial adviser for a fee.
From BBC ● Jan. 10, 2026
“And it doesn’t stop short at little girls. So never mind the empty threats, just start reading. Now. At once. And I want to hear something out of that book first!”
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
