'take a moment"

Posted by Smokey Stover on December 05, 2005

In Reply to: 'take a moment" posted by kiau on December 05, 2005

: Does the phrase 'take a moment" mean 'rest'? (If you don't mind, I'll take a moment here)

Usually, take a moment to think about it. This could mean possibly, Stop and think about what you are doing (or saying)! (Take a moment to think about it.) It could mean, Take a moment to commemorate something in your mind. ("Take a moment to think about the sacrifice of these young men.") It could mean, Take a moment to get this done before starting something else. Someone could say to you, Can I take a moment of your time to get an answer to this question? Also, "This will only take a moment."

There is also "take a minute," as in, This will only take a minute. And "take ten," meaning take a ten-minute rest (or ten-minute break from work). SS