Idiom: give someone pause
Meaning
Idiom: give someone pause (for thought) / give pause
- to make someone stop and carefully think about something
- to cause someone to hesitate or have doubts about something
Example sentences
— Your comments that I’m always so negative really gave me pause and I realized you’re right.
— I hope this performance review will give my assistant pause for thought. If he's not more serious about his work we will have to let him go.
— My child's behavior has given me pause about this school. I think she needs more intensive support at a private school with smaller classes.
— These journal prompts are meant to give pause and to inspire reflection.
— The look on my mother's face gave me pause to think about my decision further.
— The pandemic has really given employers pause about telework and flexible work arrangements.
— Recent developments in the housing market have given us pause about investing in a rental property at this time.
— Their recent discussion about child rearing really gave Samantha pause about continuing the relationship with her fiancé.
— Your violent outbursts have really given us pause. Are you using drugs?
— My girlfriend's sabotaging my diet constantly is giving me pause. I'm not sure why she wants me to remain unhealthy and overweight.
— President Trump's administration is giving the world pause for thought. Is American democracy at risk?
— This movie is so powerful it always gives viewers pause.
— The latest mass shooting in the US barely gave people pause for thought.
Synonyms
- take another look
- think over
- have second thoughts
- think twice
- see in a new light
- sleep on
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- Idiom: give someone pause
