for the nonce

• enPR: nŏn(t)s, IPA^(key): /nɒn(t)s/

for the nonce

1. (idiomatic) For the time being, with the expectation that the situation may change.

   That will do for the nonce, but we'll need a better answer for the long term.

   • 1922 February, James Joyce, “[[Episode 16]]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare & Co.; Sylvia Beach, OCLC 560090630; republished London: Published for the Egoist Press, London by John Rodker, Paris, October 1922, OCLC 2297483:

     For the nonce he was rather nonplussed but inasmuch as the duty plainly devolved upon him to take some measures on the subject he pondered suitable ways and means during which Stephen repeatedly yawned.