English Collocations in Use (P9)

STOPPING AND STARTING

A. STOPPING

The accident brought traffic to a halt for several hours

=> bring traffic to a halt /hôlt/

The union called a halt to the strike after 21 days

=> call a halt to military action/protests: prevent it from continuing

The chair brought the meeting to a close at 5 pm

=> bring a discussion/meeting to a close

The new teacher soon put a stop to bad behaviour in the class

=> put a stop to crime/anti social activities

They terminated his contract since he failed to meet his sales targets

=> also, terminate a pregnancy

The government may abandon their policy on ID cards

=> also, abandon an attempt to do sth

Police called off the search as darkness fell

=> call off = cancel

Ex: call off a match

The police have closed off the street while repairs are being carried out there

=> close off: block the entrance to stop people entering a street

Wait until there is a lull in conversation, then we can leave

=> lull = pause

B. STARTING

As dawn broke we set off up the mountain

Jasmine suddenly broke into song

William broke into a run when he saw the bus leaving

The rain set in for the day

The smoke set off the fire alarm

Customs have instigated measures to deal with illegal immigration

=> instigate (v): introduce

The chairperson made some opening remarks, others then entered into the discussion

C. NEWS HEADLINES

1. Violence sparks fears of further unrest

2. Minister allays fears of tax increase /əˈlā/

3. Peace process talks collapse: come to an unsuccessful conclusion

4. Stadium finally nears completion

5. Star dispels rumours of divorce

6. Singer clears up confusion about lyrics

7. Army quells unrest on border

8. New Republic breaks diplomatic relations with neighbors

From "English Collocations in Use - Advanced" by Cambridge University Press.