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

But he comes with baggage that could give pause to any president seeking a loyalist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

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

From North Vancouver, British Columbia, Bedard has done nothing to give pause to the high projections after posting 100-point seasons in back-to-back years with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 28, 2023

The Emperor thought these victories might give pause to a mediocre Austrian, ever mindful of the terrific blows his country had received once and again from France.

From The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte Vol. IV. (of IV.) by Sloane, William Milligan