wait/just a minute
idiom
informal
1
—used to tell someone to wait or to stop for a brief time
"Aren't you finished yet?" "Just a minute. I'm almost done."
Wait a minute—I didn't hear you. Could you repeat what you said?
Wait just a minute, young man. Where do you think you're going?
2
—used to express surprise or disbelief
Hey, wait a minute! That's not what you said yesterday!
Examples of wait/just a minute in a Sentence
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Coleman instant tent with 1-minute setup: $225 The Coleman instant tent can be set up in just a minute with just a couple of poles.
—
Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 May 2025
Related article New Netflix series highlights the gaps in the modern medical system
A July 2023 study showed just a minute or two of vigorous exercise –– such as power walking, strenuous housework or playing with kids –– could reduce cancer risk.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025
The Cougs held an 89-78 lead with about 2:30 left in the game before Wisconsin went on an 11-2 run to cut the deficit to two with just a minute left.
—Ross Terrell, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
In that game, too, luck seemed to be in Virginia’s favor: with just a minute left to go in overtime, and Virginia leading by two, the ball went out of bounds.
—Tyler Foggatt, The New Yorker, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wait/just a minute
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Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 May 2025
Related article New Netflix series highlights the gaps in the modern medical system
A July 2023 study showed just a minute or two of vigorous exercise –– such as power walking, strenuous housework or playing with kids –– could reduce cancer risk.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025
The Cougs held an 89-78 lead with about 2:30 left in the game before Wisconsin went on an 11-2 run to cut the deficit to two with just a minute left.
—Ross Terrell, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
In that game, too, luck seemed to be in Virginia’s favor: with just a minute left to go in overtime, and Virginia leading by two, the ball went out of bounds.
—Tyler Foggatt, The New Yorker, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wait/just a minute
Cite this Entry
“Wait/just a minute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wait%2Fjust%20a%20minute. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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