Hold the phone Meaning in English
expression
ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈfoʊn
HOHLD thuh FOHN
hˈəʊld/ /ðə, ði/ /fˈəʊn
HOHLD thuh FOHN
Definition
An informal phrase used to interrupt and ask someone to stop or wait because you have just realized something important or need clarification.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and usually spoken. Used when someone wants others to pause a conversation or action quickly. Similar to 'wait a second' but a bit dramatic or surprised. Not actually related to using a real phone.
Spanish: espera un momento - detente un momentoPortuguese (BR): espera aí - pera um poucoPortuguese (PT): espera aí - espera um poucoChinese (Simplified): 等一下 - 稍等一下Chinese (Traditional): 等一下 - 稍等一下Hindi: रुको ज़रा - एक मिनट रुकोArabic: انتظر لحظة - تمهّل لحظةBengali: এক টু্কু থামো - দাঁড়াওRussian: постой - подожди-каJapanese: ちょっと待って - ちょっとストップVietnamese: Khoan đã - Đợi chútKorean: 잠깐만 - 뭐라고?Turkish: Bir dakika - Dur birUrdu: ذرا ٹھہرو - ایک منٹIndonesian: tunggu dulu - sebentar
Example Sentences
Hold the phone! You forgot your keys.
basic
Hold the phone—what did you just say?
basic
Before you go, hold the phone. Did you finish your homework?
basic
Hold the phone, are you saying we're lost?
natural
Hold the phone—didn't you say you were coming alone?
natural
Whoa, hold the phone! That's a huge announcement.
natural