SINCE 1828
come to a grinding halt
idiom (1)Definition of come to a grinding halt
(Entry 1 of 2)
of a machine
: to stop working or moving forward
The machinery came to a grinding halt.
—often used figuratively The project came to a grinding halt.
come to a (grinding) halt
idiom (2)Definition of come to a (grinding) halt (Entry 2 of 2)
: stop completely and quickly
The project came to a (grinding) halt. The project ground to a halt.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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