come to a grinding halt
US /kʌm tu ə ˈɡraɪndɪŋ hɔlt/
UK /kʌm tu ə ˈɡraɪndɪŋ hɔlt/
1.
to stop suddenly and completely, often with difficulty or a harsh sound
:
•
The old train came to a grinding halt just outside the station.
•
Negotiations between the two companies came to a grinding halt after a disagreement.