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

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

That may give pause to businesses hoping to hire chatbots to cut their human payrolls.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2023

The association’s new policy may give pause to campaign staffers and political activists but is unlikely to dissuade legions of online trolls who thrive on provocation and respect no rules.

From Washington Times • Jul. 4, 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