wait/just a minute

phrase

informal

1

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

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

Wait a minute—I didn't hear you. Could you repeat what you said?

Wait just a minute, young man. Where do you think you're going?

2

—used to express surprise or disbelief

Hey, wait a minute! That's not what you said yesterday!

Examples of wait/just a minute in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Remove from the oven, let cool for just a minute or two, and serve immediately. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2026

Unfortunately for Rashford and his team-mates, the home side retook the lead just a minute later, and Sunday’s 2-1 defeat in San Sebastian means Real Madrid are just one point behind them in La Liga’s title race. — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2026

Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered, for just a minute or two. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025

More – more things to worry about in the new year in just a minute. — CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025