wait a minute

wait a minute

To stop or pause briefly. This phrase is usually used to initiate an interruption. Wait a minute, I'm confused. What exactly happened when you went to the mall? Now wait a minute! I did nothing wrong, and I won't stand to hear such nasty accusations! I think we should wait a minute before we start, just to see if anyone else shows up.
See also: minute, wait
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

wait a minute

1. Stop, I want to say something, as in Wait a minute-he wasn't there yesterday.
2. What a surprise, as in Wait a minute! It was you who called the police? For a similar phrase, see hold everything.
See also: minute, wait
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

wait a ˈminute/ˈmoment/ˈsecond


1 wait for a short time: Can you wait a second while I make a call?
2 used when you have just noticed or remembered something, or had a sudden idea: Wait a minute — this isn’t the right key.
See also: minute, moment, second, wait
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • wait a minute/moment/second
  • hold on (for) a minute
  • at a stretch
  • get back to
  • get back to (doing) (something)
  • a pregnant pause
  • a pregnant pause/silence
  • pregnant
  • pregnant pause
  • You were saying?