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.
Related Articles But Saks said not so fast and threw cold water on the speculation. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 3 June 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 Ward thankfully said yes, as the crowd of photographers snapped and cheered away—but not so fast. Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025 But for those hard-to-hold putting surfaces, the course might be a cinch, but not so fast: Three putts and more await those who don’t wield the wedge and flatstick with utter confidence. David Weiss, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Domhnall Gleeson is saying not so fast to any comparisons between The Paper and The Office. Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 6 June 2025 But the bill is now in the Senate, and Majority Leader John Thune is saying not so fast. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 5 June 2025 More news: Yankees Make Trade, Send Pitcher to NL Central Club USA Today's Bob Nightengale says not so fast. Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Not so fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/not%20so%20fast. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!