jam on the brakes
jam on the brakes (idiomatic phrasal verb)
/ dʒæm ɑn ðə breɪks /
Synopsis
The idiom “jam on the brakes” means to stop something suddenly or forcefully, whether in action or in motion. For example: “The manager jammed on the brakes on the new project after the budget review.” The phrase originated in the early 20th century with the spread of automobiles, first recorded in 1910 in Australia, and was later adopted figuratively to describe abrupt halts in plans or progress.
Meanings
- Suddenly stop or halt an action, plan, or process. (figurative)
- Take quick, emergency action to prevent danger or failure. (extended figurative use)
- Stop or slow down a vehicle suddenly by pressing the brakes hard. (literal)
Synonyms: slam on the brakes; hit the brakes; put on the brakes; stop abruptly; halt suddenly.
Example Sentences
- After the budget cuts, management jammed on the brakes and suspended all new projects. (figurative)
- The driver had to jam on the brakes when the child ran into the street. (literal)
- Seeing the red light, she jammed on the brakes just in time to avoid an accident. (literal)
Origin and History
The phrase “jam on the brakes” began as a literal driving term, meaning to suddenly and forcefully press the brakes to stop or slow down a vehicle. It later evolved into a figurative expression describing an abrupt halt to any action or progress.
Linguistic Roots
The word “jam” has existed in English since the 18th century, meaning “to press tightly” or “to strike with force.” As automobiles emerged, it naturally joined with “brakes” to describe the quick, forceful motion of stopping. The combination created a vivid image of sudden, decisive control—both physically and metaphorically.
Automotive Origin
The idiom developed in the early automobile era, when drivers needed concise ways to describe fast reactions on the road. Verbs like “jam,” “slam,” and “hit” began pairing with “brakes” to depict urgent braking. The expression quickly became part of everyday driving language and soon extended to non-driving contexts.
Earliest Recorded Use
The earliest known printed record appears in an Australian newspaper dated February 5, 1910:
“Never jam on the brakes too suddenly.”
This shows that by the early 20th century, the phrase was already common enough to appear in driver safety advice.
Geographic Origin
Although the first confirmed record comes from Australia, the idiom likely developed simultaneously in several English-speaking regions. The global spread of automobiles and shared driving experiences made such expressions universal among early motorists.
Variants
- slam on the brakes
- hit the brakes
- put on the brakes
- put the brakes on
- jam the brakes
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