To put a brake on something; to curb or halt a trend or progress, often used figuratively to mean restraining an undesirable increase or momentum.
政府は物価上昇に歯止めをかけるために追加対策を発表した。
The government announced additional measures to curb rising prices.
税率引き上げで過剰な投機に歯止めをかけられるか注目されている。
There is attention on whether raising tax rates can put a stop to excessive speculation.
まずは支出に歯止めをかけることが必要だ。
First, it's necessary to put a brake on spending.