put a cork in

VERB

halt

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adjourn arrest bar block break off cease curb deter end hamper impede interrupt stall stem stop suspend terminate

STRONG

balk check desist frustrate intermit obstruct pause punctuate rest stay wait

WEAK

blow the whistle on bring to an end bring to standstill call it a day close down come to an end cool it cut short draw up drop anchor hold at bay hold back pull up stand still

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow assist begin commence continue encourage further go help initiate keep on let go open permit promote start stimulate support urge

STRONG

carry out do restart

WEAK

carry on forge forward push speak smoothly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Three consecutive losses to teams near bottom of standings may have put a cork in their playoff aspirations once and for all.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 27, 2023

“You gotta put a cork in the end of the pipe,” Kelly said.

From Washington Post • Oct. 23, 2022

Until then, please put a cork in it.

From New York Times • Sep. 17, 2016

Managing its spread, he said, was “like trying to put a cork in a volcano.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2016

Put the lid back on the can, and put a cork in the hole from which the dasher was taken.

From Ice Creams, Water Ices, Frozen Puddings Together with Refreshments for all Social Affairs by Rorer, Sarah Tyson Heston

put a cork in

Example Sentences

Related Words