1. just a minute - Noun
2. just a minute - Interjection
(idiomatic) A short period of time, typically anywhere from several seconds to several minutes or more.
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see just, a, minute.
just a minute
(idiomatic) Stop; wait; hold on. Used to interrupt speech or proceedings so that one can make a comment or query.
Well, I'm just about at the elevator up to the family quarters. But bear with me for just a minute more as I confirm who I am. It's obvious: I'm the president of the United States of America! Herman Cain
I'm terrified about the day that I enter the gates of heaven and God says to me, just a minute. Maureen O'Hara
I can't remember that I ever had just a minute of stage fright. Henry Rollins
For just a minute there I was dreaming. For just a minute it was all so real. For just a minute she was standing there, with me. Tom Petty
Opera is for a lifetime, not just a minute. Kiri Te Kanawa
It can't be dead. It was alive just a minute ago. Sharon Creech