stop short

1. Also, stop one short . Check abruptly, as in When we tried to cross the street, the barrier stopped us short . [Early 1300s]

2. Cause someone to stop speaking, as in I was about to tell them the date when my father stopped me short . [Late 1800s]

3. 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

Last September, new rules were published for BBC flagship presenters, saying they should be allowed to express views on issues and policies, but stop short of political campaigning.

From BBC

The incident led to a review of BBC social media guidelines, which concluded that high-profile presenters should be allowed to express views on issues and policies but stop short of political campaigning.

From BBC

He said the posts "stop short of engaging with the Terrorism Act", but what they did was "provide a body of evidence to support possible future proceedings should there be other material or actions that cross the offending threshold".

From BBC

But the agreement, which included South Korea promising to refrain from publicly criticizing Japan over the issue, did not have buy-in from the victims and allowed the Japanese government to stop short of admitting full responsibility.

From Los Angeles Times

Picking someone from within the organization to follow in Moore’s footsteps would signal that the mayor is looking to continue some of the reforms he started but would stop short of the wholesale changes that some have called for.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abort
• break off
• curtail
• halt
• hinder
• interrupt
• postpone
• quit
• shorten
• terminate