give pause

Idioms  

1. Cause one to hesitate, as in The high monthly installment payments gave me pause, or, as Shakespeare put it in Hamlet (3:1): “For in that sleep of death what dreams may come ... Must give us pause.” [c. 1600]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

give pause

Manchester's growth should give pause for thought to much of the rest of the country.

From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2026

“This list should give pause to anyone—no matter his or her political beliefs—who cares about the rule of law,” Schiltz, an appointee of President George W. Bush, said in a written order.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026

The first-place finisher may give pause to programming executives keen to appeal to a younger, more diverse viewership.

From Salon ● Jun. 9, 2023

Images that give pause and invite reflection — not so much like looking in a mirror but very much like catching someone else, someone you care for, gazing into the mirror.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 15, 2023

On the other hand, the result of Miss Klickmann's book is to make the reader who feels a writing spell coming on stop and give pause.

From Love Conquers All by Williams, Gluyas