The term 'come to a standstill' is a phrase that means to STOP or CEASE all activity. This phrase can be broken down into four words, each of which can be found in a crossword puzzle: STALL (5 letters), HALT (4 letters), STOP (4 letters), and CEASE (5 letters). STALL means to slow down or come to a STOP, while HALT means to STOP abruptly. STOP is a synonym for HALT, and CEASE means to end or discontinue. Together, these four words form the phrase 'come to a standstill, ' which describes the complete cessation of activity.