stop traffic
The phrase "stop traffic" can be used both figuratively to describe attracting significant attention and literally in the context of law enforcement.
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Definition
B2Everyday Language
(informal, figurative)To attract a lot of attention due to being very attractive, impressive, or unusual.
Example
- Her stunning dress could stop traffic.
- That new sports car is so sleek it could stop traffic.
B2Law Enforcement
(literal, technical)To temporarily halt the movement of vehicles by police to investigate a possible crime or violation.
Example
- The officer had to stop traffic to issue a citation.
- Police lights flashed as they stopped traffic to check for violations.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "stop traffic":
traffic lightrun a red lightcome to a stopstop upstop outtime stopstop listput the brakes on