give one pause . give one pause {v. phr.} To astonish someone; cause one to stop and think. "Your remark gives me pause," Tom said, when Jane called him an incurable gambler. Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: G Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Add my comment