What does "bring up short" mean?

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

What is a synonym for "bring up short"?

Common synonyms include: arrest, block, blow the whistle, brake, bring to, bring up.

verb

verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Verb

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."
2
To startle or interrupt (someone), causing them to stop or reevaluate what they are doing. figuratively
"I suppose things can go well for just so long before events bring you up short."

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