Learning English

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Learn more English in a Minute

• Phrases with 'bite'
• Phrases with 'bone'
• Phrases with 'cake'

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Introduction

You know what 'stop' means – it's when something comes to an end. Sometimes things stop naturally and sometimes we make them stop! But have you ever stopped to think that there might be some common English phrases with the word ‘stop’? Stop what you're doing and learn some of them here with Phil.

Phrases with 'stop'

stop at nothing
do anything to achieve something

• That corporate lawyer is crafty – she'll stop at nothing to win the case.

put a stop to (something)
make something end, or make someone stop doing something

• I brought you in to discuss your son's behaviour. We need to put a stop to his clowning around in the classroom.

stop you dead in your tracks
freeze, or stop doing something suddenly, because of a shock

• His girlfriend's text message stopped him dead in his tracks... was she leaving him?

stop and smell the roses
slow down, relax and enjoy being in the present moment

• Take a break from revision and watch the sunset with me – sometimes it's good to stop and smell the roses.

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 Download a free transcript!

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TRANSCRIPT

Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.

Phil
Stop right there! Let's learn four phrases with 'stop'.
 
If you say that you will stop at nothing, it means you'll do anything to achieve something.

You're playing against Amina? Be careful. She'll stop at nothing to win.
 
You put a stop to something when you make it stop happening, or make someone stop doing it.

My manager keeps stealing my ideas. I need to put a stop to it.
 
When a shock makes you stop doing something suddenly, it stops you dead in your tracks.

When I heard the news, it stopped me dead in my tracks.

Stop and smell the roses means to slow down and take time to appreciate the good things in your life.

You're always too busy – you need to stop and smell the roses. Look at everything you have!
 
Don't stop learning English – learn these phrases!

Next

Learn more phrases and expressions in The English We Speak.

Learn ways to use the verb 'stop' with Sian here: 'Stop to do' vs 'stop doing'.

Find our latest programmes here.