# not so fast

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/not-so-fast
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to tell someone to cease doing something or to call into question what someone has said.

## Examples

- Not so fast, you need to finish your homework first.
- I thought we were ready to sign the contract, but the manager said not so fast until we check the legal details.
- When the committee proposed an immediate vote on the controversial policy, the chairperson interjected, saying not so fast, as there were still several critical concerns to address.

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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.