wait a minute/moment/second
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
wait a second
1. To wait or pause for a moment. Often used as an imperative. Can you please wait a second so I can tie my shoe? We waited a second before turning the water back on.
2. A phrase spoken when one has a realization about something they had not thought of until that moment. Wait a second, Jeff said he was driving here, but his car is in the shop. He must have forgotten. Wait a second... these aren't bananas, they're plantains!
See also: second, 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
- wait a minute
- 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?