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

“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

It adds: "We question how any department can consider that a foreign country single-handedly running our nuclear power stations shouldn't give pause for thought."

From BBC • 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

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

The difficulties of which I have spoken thus far are material; there are others much deeper in their origin and more apt to give pause to this giant enterprise.

From The Outlook: Uncle Sam's Place and Prospects in International Politics by Macmillan, Newton