stop short

verb3

1. •
   To come to a sudden and unexpected stop, particularly while speaking or driving a vehicle.

   • He had only taken a step forward into the room when he again stopped short to exclaim. — 1897
2. •
   To voluntarily cease an attempt to reach a certain point.

   • He stopped short of saying the story was true but accused the palace of lying when they "squashed" it. — 2022
3. •
   To come to a stop before reaching a certain point.