Phrase guide

give pause

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To cause (someone) to hesitate and think carefully about something, giving (the person) cause to be unsure or concerned about something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I was going to put up the new logo, since a majority of people like it a little better than the old one, but the ferocity of those who think it's terrible gives me pause.
  • Here is a fact that will give you pause: some states do not publish the voting records of their legislators.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: (hacer) preocupar / detener — Translations
  • Spanish: dar que pensar — Translations
  • Spanish: dar en qué pensar — Translations