in one's tracks

in one's tracks

English

Adverb

in one's tracks (not comparable)

1. Suddenly; abruptly
   • 2010, July 12, Cyclist warns of road sign obstruction‎^{[The Guardian]}:

     Cyclist Anthony Robson found himself stopped in his tracks by this road sign.

   • 2010, July 11, “Haroon Siddique”, in Barefoot Bandit arrested in the Bahamas‎^{[The Guardian]}:

     After two years on the run from the US authorities the suspected thief known as the Barefoot Bandit has finally been stopped in his tracks.

   • 2006, October 28, “Mike Averis”, in Bristol's heavy brigade knock back potent Brew for victory‎^{[The Guardian]}:

     The sinner of the first half cut in from the left wing, losing his marker to take a gentle pass from Ceri Sweeney and leave Bristol's Craig Morgan frozen in his tracks.

Usage notes

• Very commonly found with stopped.

See also

• bring up short