put on brakes

“You need testing strategies that allow you to put on brakes quickly enough to stop surges,” said Cobey, who has pleaded with state leaders to implement such strategies.

“It’s against my principles to put on brakes when I’m going up a hill.”

Indeed, on March 3 it was found necessary to put on brakes, by issuing an order that no more new schools should be opened for the present.

I could not put on brakes quickly enough and skidded almost into him.

The driver shut off steam and put on brakes, the Toad got down on the step, and as the train slowed down to almost a walking pace he heard the driver call out, "Now, jump!"