stop/halt somebody in their tracks

stop (someone or something) (dead) in its/(one's) tracks

To make someone or something stop or come to a complete halt immediately or very suddenly. Hearing the gunshot in the distance stopped us both dead in our tracks. Boy, Samantha could stop you in her tracks with her smile!See also: stop, track

stop/halt somebody in their ˈtracks

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stop/halt/freeze in your ˈtracks

suddenly make somebody stop by frightening or surprising them; suddenly stop because something has frightened or surprised you: The question stopped Alice in her tracks. ♢ The horse stopped dead in its tracks and refused to move.See also: halt, somebody, stop, track