# hold that thought

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hold-that-thought
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To pause in a conversation for an interruption.

## Examples

- Hold that thought while I answer the door.
- I know you have a great idea, but please hold that thought until I finish explaining this part.
- The professor asked the student to hold that thought, as he intended to address that specific point later in the lecture.

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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.