The phrase "puts stopper in" is commonly used to describe halting or blocking something. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase would be /pʊts ˈstɒpər ɪn/. The key to the spelling of this phrase lies in the stressed syllables: "puts" is pronounced with a short u sound and the stress falls on the first syllable. "Stopper" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, which is pronounced as "uh." "In" is pronounced with a short i sound and the stress falls on the final syllable.
To put a stopper in something means to halt or prevent it from progressing further or coming to a conclusion. It can refer to a physical act of inserting a stopper into a container to prevent the contents from escaping, or it can have a metaphorical connotation.
In its literal sense, putting a stopper in implies the act of sealing a container with a stopper to stop the flow or release of a liquid or gas. This action is typically performed when there is a need to preserve the contents or to prevent any leakage or spillage. For instance, a person may put a stopper in a bottle containing wine to prevent oxidation and maintain its quality.
Figuratively, putting a stopper in expresses the idea of pausing, halting, or obstructing progress or development. It implies preventing a situation from proceeding further or reaching a desired outcome. This expression can be used to describe actions taken to inhibit or hinder the advancement of something. For example, in a negotiation or decision-making process, one party might put a stopper in by refusing to agree to a particular term or proposition, which prevents the process from moving forward.
Overall, putting a stopper in can be both a physical act of sealing a container and a metaphorical action of obstructing or halting progress in a broader sense.