stop ·phrase
Definition: to almost do something but decide not to do it Level: C2
他差点称她为骗子但终究没有说出口，他的语气非常尖锐。
He stopped short of ___calling her a liar, but his tone was very critical.
市长差点承诺减税但终究没有说出口，只说这事“正在考虑中”。
The mayor stopped short of ___promising tax cuts, saying only that it was 'under consideration'.
在谈判中，他们差点签署协议但终究没有，而是选择寻求更多建议。
During negotiations, they stopped short of ___signing the deal, choosing to seek further advice.