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come to a grinding halt

idiom

Definition of come to a grinding halt

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.

Word by Word Definitions

grind play grinding

  1. : to reduce to powder or small fragments by friction (as in a mill or with the teeth)

  2. : to wear down, polish, or sharpen by friction

  3. : oppress, harass

  1. : an act of grinding

  2. : the sound of grinding

  3. : dreary, monotonous, or difficult labor, study, or routine

See the full definition of grind
halt play

  1. : to cease marching or journeying

  2. : discontinue, terminate

  3. : to bring to a stop

  1. : stop

  1. : to walk or proceed lamely : limp

  2. : to be in a state of uncertainty or doubt between alternate courses or choices : waver

  3. : to display weakness or imperfection : falter

  1. : having a manner of walking that is impaired by a limp : lame

See the full definition of halt

come to a (grinding) halt

idiom

Definition of come to a (grinding) halt

: stop completely and quickly
  • The project came to a (grinding) halt.
  • The project ground to a halt.

Word by Word Definitions

grind play grinding

  1. : to reduce to powder or small fragments by friction (as in a mill or with the teeth)

  2. : to wear down, polish, or sharpen by friction

  3. : oppress, harass

  1. : an act of grinding

  2. : the sound of grinding

  3. : dreary, monotonous, or difficult labor, study, or routine

See the full definition of grind
halt play

  1. : to cease marching or journeying

  2. : discontinue, terminate

  3. : to bring to a stop

  1. : stop

  1. : to walk or proceed lamely : limp

  2. : to be in a state of uncertainty or doubt between alternate courses or choices : waver

  3. : to display weakness or imperfection : falter

  1. : having a manner of walking that is impaired by a limp : lame

See the full definition of halt

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come to a grinding halt

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