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Phrase(s): stop dead in one’s tracks
Fig. to stop completely still suddenly because of fear, a noise, etc. • I stopped dead in my tracks when I heard the scream. • The deer stopped dead in its tracks when it heard the hunter step on a fallen branch., Phrase(s): stop one or something dead in one’s or something’s tracks
Fig. to stop someone or something suddenly and completely. • The gunshot stopped the killer dead in her tracks. • The arrow stopped the deer dead in its tracks.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs