The phrase "hit the brakes" is often used to describe the act of quickly stopping a vehicle. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "brakes" is pronounced as /breɪks/. This is spelled with the letter "b" followed by "r", which is pronounced like the "r" in "red". The "a" in "brakes" is pronounced as the "a" in "cake", and the word ends with a voiceless "ks" sound, spelled with the letters "k" and "s". Together, these sounds form the word "brakes" in English.
"Hitting the brakes" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the action of abruptly applying pressure to the brakes of a vehicle in order to rapidly decrease its speed or bring it to a complete stop. This phrase is derived from the literal act of striking the brake pedal with force, as if delivering a powerful blow.
When someone "hits the brakes," they typically do so to avoid an imminent collision, sudden obstacle or hazard on the road, or in response to a sudden change in traffic conditions. It implies a swift and sudden deceleration, often accompanied by screeching tires or the activation of the vehicle's brake lights. The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe quickly stopping or halting an action or plan.
"Hitting the brakes" carries connotations of urgency, alertness, and quick reactions. It signifies a sudden and forceful interruption to one's momentum or progress, as if forcefully slamming on the brakes to prevent a dangerous situation from escalating. This idiom is commonly used in informal conversation and is particularly associated with driving-related contexts. Whether it is a literal or metaphorical usage, the expression "hit the brakes" vividly portrays a sudden and immediate cessation of a movement, emphasizing the significance of making such a swift and decisive action.