moment

mo|ment [ `moumənt ] noun count ***

1. ) a very short period of time:

I see your problem, said George after a moment's reflection.

He paused for a few moments before giving his answer.

brief moment: For a brief moment their eyes met.

spare moment (=when you are not busy): He studied in every spare moment he could find.

for a few moments: They fell silent for a few moments as they drank their coffee.

for a moment: He leaned against me for a moment and sobbed.

a moment longer: She looked back at him a moment longer, then smiled.

2. ) a particular point in time when something happens:

Jane began to speak, but at the same moment Helen appeared.

If only he had not chosen that moment to walk into the room.

very/precise/exact moment: At that precise moment there was a knock on the door.

until that moment: Ellie had never really given it much thought until that moment .

a ) a point in time when something important, special, or unusual happens:

moment of: This is the proudest moment of my career.

a very poignant moment in literary history

moment of triumph/glory: In her mind she replayed her moment of triumph.

3. ) usually singular a short period of time when you have the opportunity to do something:

the right moment: This is surely the right moment to make amends.

seize the moment: I saw he was alone and seized the moment.

big moment (=a chance to show how good you are at something): As he stood up, James knew his big moment had arrived.

any moment (now)

very soon:

They should be here any moment now.

at the moment

now:

They're very upset and don't want to talk at the moment.

Bus and train fares are much the same price at the moment.

at this moment in time or at the present moment

used for emphasizing that you are talking about the present time or situation:

At this particular moment in time it is difficult for us to raise money.

from the moment (that) or from this/that moment (on)

used for emphasizing the exact point in time when something started to happen:

He didn't stop talking from the moment he arrived.

From that moment on, I loved swimming.

have its/your moments or someone has their moments

1. ) to have some good periods or parts:

Although the movie has its moments, it's not really worth seeing.

2. ) to sometimes have problems or cause trouble

in a moment

used for telling someone that you will do something very soon:

Come and see this. In a moment.

just/wait a moment

1. ) used for telling someone that you will do something very soon:

Can you give me a hand? Just a moment.

2. ) used for asking someone to give you their attention for a short time:

Just a moment, I want to ask you something.

the last (possible) moment

the latest time that it is possible to do something:

She waited until the last possible moment to cancel her flight.

the moment of truth

an extremely important moment, such as one when you will find out if something has succeeded or happened

not a moment too soon INFORMAL

so late that it is almost too late:

We're off on our vacation tomorrow, and not a moment too soon.

not for a/one moment

used for emphasizing that something is definitely not true, or that you would definitely not do or say something:

I have not for a moment suggested that you should leave.

of the moment

most typical or most popular at a particular time:

the movie of the moment

someone/something will take/be a moment

someone or something will be very quick:

I'll only be a moment.

You can wait if you want. It won't take a moment.

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