hold/hang on a minute

phrase

informal
1
used to tell someone to wait or to stop for a brief time
"Aren't you finished yet?" "Hold on a minute. I'm almost done."
Hang on a minute—I didn't hear you. Could you repeat what you said?
2
used to express surprise or disbelief
Hold on a minute! That's not what you said yesterday!

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Cite this Entry

“Hold/hang on a minute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%2Fhang%20on%20a%20minute. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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