one moment: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘one moment’ mean?
An idiom, "one moment," is often used to ask for a brief pause or to indicate a short delay in a conversation or an action.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "this minute" means immediately or without any delay. It implies that the action or event being referred to needs to happen right away, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the situation.
The idiom "pardon me" is frequently used as a polite way to apologize or to request someone's attention or forgiveness.
The idiom "on the button" means to be exactly punctual or precise, often referring to an exact time or the right moment for something. It is used to indicate accuracy and timeliness.
The idiom "on hand" means to be available or accessible in the present moment or in a particular place.
The idiom "one-off" refers to something that happens or is done only once, and is not repeated or meant to be continuous.
The idiom "one step at a time" means to proceed or approach a task slowly and methodically, focusing on each individual stage or action before moving on to the next.
The idiom "on demand" means something that is available or provided immediately when requested or desired.
The idiom "once in a while" means occasionally or infrequently.
The idiom "now or never" means that something must be done immediately or it will never be possible to do it. It emphasizes the urgency of taking action without delay.
Revealing the Enigma
One moment is an idiom used to ask someone to wait momentarily or to respond to a request. The idiom is commonly used in formal and informal contexts and is considered a common phrase in English.
The idiom originates from the Old English word "mōnaþ," which means month. In Middle English, the word "mōnaþ" evolved into "moone," which referred to a moment of time. With time, the word shifted in meaning to its current usage as a brief pause or interruption.
In various situations, people use the idiom one moment when they need to gather their thoughts, find information, or attend to something else before continuing the conversation or activity. It's frequently used during interactions with customer service representatives, making phone calls, or in meetings.
This idiom is known for its versatility and adaptability. It can be used to politely ask for a brief delay or to indicate that someone needs a moment to think before responding to a question or request. Additionally, it can redirect attention or momentarily shift the focus to a different topic.
When using the idiom, it's essential to consider the accompanying tone and body language. The effectiveness of the idiom lies in the implicit understanding that the pause or interruption will be brief, allowing the conversation or activity to promptly resume.
In modern usage, the idiom has taken on a more nuanced meaning. While it still retains its original definition as a simple pause or interruption, it can also express a deeper need for reflection, consideration, or evaluation. In this sense, it conveys thoughtfulness or contemplation.
just a minute and just a second are related idioms that are often used interchangeably with one moment. They convey the same meaning of a brief pause or interruption but with a slightly shorter time frame. Just a minute suggests a slightly longer wait, while just a second indicates a shorter delay.
The idiom have a moment is another related phrase. It can be used to politely ask someone to wait or give them a moment to finish a task or attend to something before responding. Have a moment implies a brief period of time and is often used in a conversational and friendly tone.
Overall, the idiom one moment is a versatile phrase used to request a brief pause or interruption in conversation or activity. It originated from the Old English word for month but has evolved over time to convey a more nuanced meaning. Whether used in formal or informal contexts, the idiom is widely understood and accepted, facilitating effective communication and understanding.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *one moment* can be used in a sentence:
- I'll be with you in just one moment.
- One moment, please. I need to find my keys.
- Could you wait for me one moment? I'll be right back.
More "Time" idioms
