drop anchor; break down; come to a halt
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesverb
to drop anchor; to cast anchor (for a vessel)
Nautical terminology used when a vessel stops and secures its position in water.
The captain ordered to drop anchor in the harbor.
We dropped anchor near the small island to spend the night.
verb
(of a vehicle) to break down; to stall; to stop due to mechanical failure
Commonly used for cars, buses, or other vehicles that stop functioning due to engine or mechanical problems.
My car suddenly broke down on the highway.
The taxi broke down, so we had to walk to the station.
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This old truck breaks down frequently.
verb
(figurative) to come to a halt; to break down; to be suspended (of ongoing matters)
Used metaphorically for projects, negotiations, or plans that stop progressing due to obstacles or problems.
Due to a shortage of funds, this project came to a halt.
The negotiations broke down because of major disagreements.
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His startup plan broke down before it even began.