stop dead in (your) tracks
Meaning(s)
1. suddenly stop moving or doing something
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
I stopped dead in my tracks, unsure of what to do next
Analysis
To 'stop dead in your tracks' is an idiomatic expression which means to stop suddenly or abruptly, usually due to shock or surprise.
Social Examples (Advance)
- I was walking home late one night when I heard a scream that made me stop dead in my tracks. The sound was absolutely terrifying.
- When I heard the announcement about the attack on the radio, I was stopped dead in my tracks.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- While giving his presentation, Neil was stopped dead in his tracks by a difficult question. He clearly had no idea how to answer it.
- That setback has stalled production, stopping our recent momentum dead in its tracks.