# hit pause

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hit-pause
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To pause (an activity); stop, terminate.

## Examples

- We should hit pause on this game for a moment.
- I need to hit pause on my workout because the phone is ringing.
- You should hit pause on your studies and get some sleep.
- The team decided to hit pause on the project until they had more funding.
- After arguing for an hour, the couple decided to hit pause on the discussion and go for a walk to cool down.
- The city had to hit pause on the road repairs because the heavy rain made it impossible for the workers to continue.
- The director had to hit pause on the film production when the lead actor suddenly became ill and could not travel to the set.
- Faced with mounting uncertainty, the board chose to hit pause on all new investments until the market showed signs of stability.

## Origin

Attested from the late 20th century, the phrase originates from the physical act of pressing a pause button on a piece of electronic equipment. The idiom draws specifically from the mechanics of media controllers, such as those found on tape decks, video players, and gaming consoles, which allow for the immediate suspension of an activity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.