give (someone) pause for thought
phrase
: to cause (someone) to stop and think about something carefully or to have doubts about something
The latest economic news has given investors pause for thought.
Cite this Entry
“Give (someone) pause for thought.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20%28someone%29%20pause%20for%20thought. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
