# just a minute

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/just-a-minute
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A short period of time, typically anywhere from several seconds to several minutes or more.

## Examples

- Wait just a minute, I need to find my keys.
- The manager asked the team to hold on for just a minute while she finished reading the important email.
- Although the train was scheduled to depart immediately, the conductor paused for just a minute to assist a passenger who was struggling with heavy luggage.

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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.