Usage of "bring up short"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello,

Can I use this verb the following way:

I also assume that it means “I was surprised to see…”, is this right?

Thanks!

2

Hi OTS,

I would suggest it has more the notion of shock - a bit stronger than just surprise. It’s a bit, without over egging it, like ‘my heart stood still’ or ‘my stomach turned over.’

Alan

3

Yes, Dean, you can say that. It’s similar to saying ‘it stopped me in my tracks’ in that context.

The general idea is that you were so very surprised that it caused you to suddenly stop (walking).

[color=darkblue]___________________________________________________________________________
[size=75]“Winners live in the present tense. People who come up short are consumed with future or past. I want to be living in the now.” ~ Alex Rodriquez[/size]

4

Hi Alan and Amy,

Thank you ever so much for your help!

5

“to see” or “seeing” or even " having seen"

Shouldn’t I see them first, should I, before being surprised or shocked?

?

Thanks

6

Hi E2…

The sentence means you saw them then you were surprised, but it doesn’t imitate the order of events. (I saw them and was surprised.)
You were surprised when you saw them.