just a minute

Noun

just a minute (uncountable)

1. (idiomatic) A short period of time, typically anywhere from several seconds to several minutes or more.
   • The hero of the turf accepted this bet, and on the day appointed, just a minute before starting, qualified his stallion to run for the purse.1807, Charles Sedley, The barouche driver and his wife, page 6
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see just, a, minute.

Interjection

1. (idiomatic) Stop; wait; hold on. Used to interrupt speech or proceedings so that one can make a comment or query.
   • Miss Girzie at these words started up, and said, "Sir, sir, just a minute."
     "I can hear no more," cried I; "it is plain you intend to make a bargain with my friend...1827, John Galt, The last of the lairds: or, The life and opinions of Malachi Mailings ..., page 221

   Synonyms:

   just a second, hold it right there, hold on a minute, wait a minute