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- Nov 5, 2011
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The phrase "pump the brakes" originates from the literal act of a driver repeatedly pressing and releasing the brake pedal to prevent wheel lock-up and overheating in older vehicles without antilock brakes. This practical driving technique for controlled slowing later evolved into its current metaphorical meaning, where it advises someone to slow down their actions or thoughts, reassess, or stop a process that is moving too quickly.Worse than Mario's kneeling fiasco