The term 'PUTS THE BRAKES ON' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: INHIBITS (8 letters) and CURBS (5 letters). INHIBITS means to restrain or limit something, while CURBS means to control or restrict something. Both terms refer to the act of stopping or slowing down an action or process. This phrase is often used in a figurative sense to describe someone or something that is preventing progress or causing a delay.