handbrake

The handbrake, also called the parking brake or emergency brake, is the brake you use to keep a car from moving when it is parked. It is often a lever or a button, and it usually works on the rear wheels. If you park on a hill, it helps hold the car in place so it does not roll.

People also use the term in the phrase "handbrake turn," a fast, sharp turn where the rear wheels lock for a moment. That meaning is much less common in everyday life than the basic idea of parking and holding the car still.

The handbrake is a secondary braking system in a vehicle, designed as a safety feature and for secure parking. Originally operated by a lever located between the driver and passenger seats (hence "hand" brake), modern cars often use an electronic parking brake activated by a button or switch.

Its primary function is to keep the vehicle stationary when parked, especially on inclines. Unlike the regular foot brake, which usually relies on hydraulic pressure, the handbrake often uses cables or an electronic system to hold the rear wheels in place. This gives the car an extra layer of security when it is parked.

In some contexts, drivers use the handbrake for controlled maneuvers like "handbrake turns," quick spins often seen in motorsport or action films. However, this is a special use, not the normal purpose of the brake, and doing it carelessly can damage the car or cause a crash.

The term "pulling the handbrake" can also be used as a metaphor for suddenly stopping or slowing something, such as a plan or a project. For example: "We had to pull the handbrake on the campaign when we saw it was not working."

So, whether you are securing a car on a hill, talking about a sharp driving turn, or describing a sudden stop in a plan, the handbrake suggests control, safety, and stopping movement.