wait a minute/moment/second

1 of 2

phrase (1)

1

—used to tell someone to stop and wait briefly

Wait a minute. I need to tie my shoe.

If you will just wait a second, I can explain what happened.

2

—used to interrupt someone or something because one has noticed, thought of, or remembered something

Wait a second—that's not what she said.

Wait a minute. I just remembered where I put the keys.

wait/just a moment

2 of 2

phrase (2)

informal

—used to tell someone to wait or to stop for a brief time

"Aren't you finished yet?" "Just a moment. I'm almost done."

Wait a moment—I don't understand.