just a minute
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file) - IPA(key): /ˈdʒʌst ə ˌmɪnɪt/, (emphatic) [ˈdʒɯst ə ˌmɪnɪt]
Noun
just a minute (uncountable)
- (idiomatic) A short period of time, typically anywhere from several seconds to several minutes or more.
- 1807, Charles Sedley, The barouche driver and his wife, page 6:
- The hero of the turf accepted this bet, and on the day appointed, just a minute before starting, qualified his stallion to run for the purse.
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- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see just, a, minute.
Interjection
just a minute
- (idiomatic) Stop; wait; hold on. Used to interrupt speech or proceedings so that one can make a comment or query.
- 1827, John Galt, The last of the lairds: or, The life and opinions of Malachi Mailings ..., page 221:
- Miss Girzie at these words started up, and said, "Sir, sir, just a minute."
"I can hear no more," cried I; "it is plain you intend to make a bargain with my friend...
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Synonyms
- just a second
- hold it right there
- hold on a minute
- wait a minute
Antonyms
- go on
- please continue
Translations
Stop; wait
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