not so fast

idiom

informal
used in speech to say that one disagrees with what someone has said or to tell someone to stop or slow down
"This proves they're wrong." "Not so fast. There's other evidence to consider."
"The discussion is closed." "Not so fast. I have a few more things to say."

Examples of not so fast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But not so fast, says Michael Mandel , chief economist at the Progressive Policy Institute. Alex Sherman,contessa Brewer, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025 Now that the Packers have wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the NFC … OK, not so fast. Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 Experts say not so fast What are some other tips to keep my home cool and electric bill low? Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025 Domhnall Gleeson is saying not so fast to any comparisons between The Paper and The Office. Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 6 June 2025 Related Articles But Saks said not so fast and threw cold water on the speculation. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 3 June 2025 Ward thankfully said yes, as the crowd of photographers snapped and cheered away—but not so fast. Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025 Perfect for snacking and baking, nuts seem like an obvious choice to buy in bulk and store in the cabinet–but not so fast. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025 While Ringo tries to insist the fight is between him and Earp, Holliday says not so fast, sir, citing a quarrel earlier in the film. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Not so fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/not%20so%20fast. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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