slam on the brakes
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To press down hard on the brakes of a vehicle in order to make it stop suddenly.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Driving 2-6-2 locomotive No. 4771 Green Arrow, Blunt suddenly noticed that the tunnel mouth was silhouetted in a dazzling white glare and that incendiary bombs were showering down in their hundreds, he slammed on all his brakes and brought his train to a stop just inside the tunnel.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To abruptly halt any activity or progress, especially due to problems or financial reasons.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “slam on the brakes” mean?
To press down hard on the brakes of a vehicle in order to make it stop suddenly.
Is “slam on the brakes” formal or informal?
slam on the brakes is generally slang.