just a minute
198
1.0
- idiom
:
un momento
- I'll be ready in just a minute.
- said just a minute
Hey turf, turn around for just a minute.
- Hey turf, turn around for just a minute.
- Add in some fresh greens, stir them in, and let them cook for just a minute, and then we'll be ready to serve.
- And so after the press is out, before the conversation starts, McNamara and Taylor get up and say just a minute and they leave the room.
- We'll put a link to that in the show notes, but I'll do a Wim Hof Hof breathing for just a minute or two minutes.
- First of all, let me try to address what you were asking for Robinson just a minute ago.
- I, I, I think for the most part, what you said just a minute ago about listening is a really critical component.
- And that's why we're going to switch to an electric mixer in just a minute, 'cause this is getting really thick.
- Tonight, tonight, tonight we got some fantastic guests coming up here in just a minute.
Examples
-
Can you come back in just a minute?
-
But hold on for just a minute.
Academic text (2009) -
No, no, no, David, just a minute.
-
"Be with you in just a minute," she said.
Fiction book (1994) -
Alright, give me just a minute and I'll come over to that table.
-
Then he called, "Just a minute, Mr. Johnson!" and turned back to the telephone.
Fiction book (1994) -
Just a minute, we think the planes are here.
-
Now, if you'll wait in the next room for just a minute...
Fiction book (1992) -
And that's why we're going to switch to an electric mixer in just a minute, 'cause this is getting really thick.
-
Can you wait for me for just a minute?
Synonyms
232
1.0
A very short moment that passes quickly
75
1.2
Ask someone to wait for a short time
54
1.7
After a very short time
47
3.7
For a very short time
43
2.5
A very short moment when something happens
22
4.9
A very short time like a moment
17
7.2
A very short time, just a moment
5
7.2
A very short moment when something happens
1
9.6
A very short time, like a few moments
1
1.0
A very small amount or short time
Antonyms
How Long
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly derivable from 'just' (a small/only) + 'a minute' (a short time); together they naturally convey 'wait a very short time.' This modifier + time-noun composition is common cross-linguistically and follows ordinary English composition patterns, so a B1 learner who knows the parts will readily understand it.
Etymology
Just a minute comes from the simple image of watching a clock for one small minute. Saying just a minute asks someone to wait 'a very short time'.