to hold on a second
75
1.2
- idiom
- Informal
:
esperar un segundo
- And I said, now hold on a second because we had just talked about responsibility, taking responsibility.
- Just hold on a second
- Okay, hold on a second
- Wait, hold on a second
But wait, hold on a second, why does this work?
- But wait, hold on a second, why does this work?
- And the student says, well, hold on a second, why wouldn't it be?
- And you know, we were one of those, but hold on a second, OK.
- So kind of it's like, hold on a second, how do I wear so many hats?
- And I'm and then I say, hold on a second.
- And I was working with this Intel guy and he goes, hold on a second, change that language.
- It shouldn't fucking be refreshing to see someone say hey hold on a second, you lied right?
- And you also kind of spur a reaction from people saying, hold on a second.
Examples
-
Could you hold on a second? I've got call waiting.
Fiction book (1996) -
And you know, we were one of those, but hold on a second, OK.
-
But wait, hold on a second, why does this work?
-
OK, just hold on a second until there we go.
-
Can you hold on a second?
-
Just hold on a second.
-
"Just hold on a second," he says.
Fiction book (1992) -
Hold on a second, all right?
-
Hold on a second, let me close the door to my office.
Fiction book (2000) -
Could you please hold on a second while I find the document?
Synonyms
∞
1.3
To wait for a short time during a phone call
198
1.0
Ask someone to wait for a very short time
111
3.4
To wait a short time or keep going through a hard time
22
7.4
Wait patiently and stay calm during a delay
21
6.7
Ask someone to wait before saying more about an idea
14
3.7
To wait on the phone without hanging up
8
8.2
Tell someone to wait so you can check or explain something
1
7.2
Tell someone to wait and be patient
Antonyms
How Long
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'wait for a short moment' is directly derivable from combining 'hold' (to keep or pause) with the particle 'on' (indicating continuation) and the time quantifier 'a second' (a very short moment). This verb+particle+time phrase is a common compositional pattern and has transparent equivalents in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Hold on a second comes from the simple image of someone literally holding on and keeping their grip for a second, a very short time. That's why when we say it today we ask someone to 'wait a short moment'.