just a minute

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• IPA^(key): /ˈdʒʌst ə ˌmɪnɪt/, (emphatic) [ˈdʒɯst ə ˌmɪnɪt]

just a minute (uncountable)

1. (idiomatic) A short period of time, typically anywhere from several seconds to several minutes or more.
   • 1807, Charles Sedley, The barouche driver and his wife‎, page 6:

     The hero of the turf accepted this bet, and on the day appointed, just a minute before starting, qualified his stallion to run for the purse.

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see just,‎ a,‎ minute.

just a minute

1. (idiomatic) Stop; wait; hold on. Used to interrupt speech or proceedings so that one can make a comment or query.
   • 1827, John Galt, The last of the lairds: or, The life and opinions of Malachi Mailings ...‎, page 221:

     Miss Girzie at these words started up, and said, "Sir, sir, just a minute."
     "I can hear no more," cried I; "it is plain you intend to make a bargain with my friend...

• just a second
• hold it right there
• hold on a minute
• wait a minute

• go on
• please continue