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just a minute

Idioms  
  1. Also, just a moment.

  2. Wait a little bit. This expression is used before explaining oneself, as in Just a minute, I didn't mean that he was wrong , or to stop someone from something, as in Just a moment, I was here first . Also see hold everything .

  3. Only a very short time, as in I'll be with you in just a minute .


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But a foul by Gael Clichy meant the Gunners conceded a penalty and allowed McFadden to score a 95th-minute equaliser – just a minute later than the one Tom Edozie scored for Wolves on Wednesday.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Gala goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir could only parry Khephren Thuram's powerful header into the path of the onrushing Koopmeiners, who tapped in the leveller just a minute later.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

"She's too slow, Natasha," her trainer Joe Gallagher bellowed out after just a minute of action.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2024

Palace had been reduced to 10 men just a minute earlier when Jordan Ayew was sent off.

From Washington Times • Dec. 9, 2023

Cordell Rackley was small and wiry, with skin the color of biscuits that had been cooked for just a minute too long.

From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson

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