stalls out
Loses all momentum
Stalls out describes an engine dying from insufficient fuel, air, or momentum—a car stalls out at a red light, a plane stalls out when airspeed drops too low.
Figuratively, it means losing momentum and coming to a stop: The negotiations stalled out over disagreements about funding.
The addition of "out" emphasizes the complete cessation rather than a temporary pause.
- breaks downStops functioning properly
- stopsCeases to continue
- malfunctionFailure to operate properly
- engine troubleVehicle power malfunction
- plateauFlat highland area
drag · impasse · spin · crash · turbulence · stagnation · halt · deadlock · dead end · shutdown · inertia · jam · freeze · disruption · sputters · hesitation · overload · dies
engine/mechanical function
stalls outruns
Moves fast on foot
purrs · revs up · turns over · starts up · fires up
progress/momentum
stalls outtakes off
Leaves or ascends
moves forward · picks up steam · accelerates · progresses · advances