give pause
verb1
Idiomatic To cause (someone) to hesitate and think carefully about something, giving (the person) cause to be unsure or concerned about something.
- I was going to put up the new logo, since a majority of people like it a little better than the old one, but the ferocity of those who think it's terrible gives me pause.
- Here is a fact that will give you pause: some states do not publish the voting records of their legislators.
- Related terms
- food for thought, makes you think