Half a minute, second, etc.
phrase
A short period of time, approximately 30 seconds.
Wait here for half a minute, I'll return shortly.
Often appears as...
- wait for half a minute
- just half a minute
phrase
A way to emphasize that something happened very quickly.
She finished the test in half a minute, it seemed like she knew all the answers by heart.
Often appears as...
- finished in half a minute
- happened in half a minute
phrase
Indicates an extremely short amount of time.
He was able to solve the puzzle in half a second, surprising everyone.
Often appears as...
- solved in half a second
- done in half a second
phrase
A short period of time, approximately 30 seconds.
Wait here for half a minute, I'll return shortly.
Often appears as...
- wait for half a minute
- just half a minute
phrase
A way to emphasize that something happened very quickly.
She finished the test in half a minute, it seemed like she knew all the answers by heart.
Often appears as...
- finished in half a minute
- happened in half a minute
phrase
Indicates an extremely short amount of time.
He was able to solve the puzzle in half a second, surprising everyone.
Often appears as...
- solved in half a second
- done in half a second
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Implied Impatience
Reflects speaker's impatience or the listener's urgency to act within a brief time frame.
Give me half a minute to wrap this up!
Pro Tip 2/3Exaggeration Possible
May be used hyperbolically to mean an undetermined brief wait, not always exactly 30 seconds.
Hang on for half a minute while I check.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Perception
The perception of 'half a minute' can vary in different cultures; some may see it as immediate.
I’ll be with you in half a minute!
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