English Dictionary

bring up short

verb

To arrest (someone or something's) forward motion; to halt before a goal is reached. / (metaphoric) To startle or interrupt (someone), causing them to stop or reevaluate what they are doing.

The sudden obstacle in the road brought up short the speeding car.

意味（1）

To arrest (someone or something's) forward motion; to halt before a goal is reached.

The soldiers spurred their horses forward but were brought up short by Lieutenant Montoya.

意味（2）

(metaphoric) To startle or interrupt (someone), causing them to stop or reevaluate what they are doing.

I suppose things can go well for just so long before events bring you up short.