wait a minute

The phrase "wait a minute" is commonly used in informal conversation to request a brief pause or to express surprise or doubt.

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Definition

A2General Conversation

(informal)A request for someone to pause briefly to allow for clarification, completion of a task, or reconsideration.

Example

  • Wait a minute, I need to grab my keys before we leave.
  • Wait a minute, I didn't catch that. Can you repeat it?

A2General Conversation

(informal)An expression of surprise or disbelief, often used to interrupt and seek clarification.

Example

  • Wait a minute, you mean the meeting is canceled?
  • Wait a minute, that doesn't sound right.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "wait a minute":

just a minutewait onwait forwait upjust a secondone momenthot minutehold onhave a momenthold upcan wait