Hang on
verb phrase
To wait a short time.
Can you hang on a minute? I'll be right back.
Often appears as...
- hang on a minute
- hang on a second
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb phrase
To hold something tightly.
Hang on tight! The ride is about to start.
Often appears as...
- hang on tight
- hang on for dear life
verb phrase
To continue to do something in a determined way.
Even though the climb was difficult, she managed to hang on and reach the top.
Often appears as...
- hang on in there
- hang on to hope
verb phrase
To depend or rely on.
Our success hangs on their decision.
Often appears as...
- hang on a decision
- hang on someone's approval
verb phrase
To listen carefully.
Hang on, I think I heard something outside.
Often appears as...
- hang on every word
- hang on to someone's story
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb phrase
To wait a short time.
Can you hang on a minute? I'll be right back.
Often appears as...
- hang on a minute
- hang on a second
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb phrase
To hold something tightly.
Hang on tight! The ride is about to start.
Often appears as...
- hang on tight
- hang on for dear life
verb phrase
To continue to do something in a determined way.
Even though the climb was difficult, she managed to hang on and reach the top.
Often appears as...
- hang on in there
- hang on to hope
verb phrase
To depend or rely on.
Our success hangs on their decision.
Often appears as...
- hang on a decision
- hang on someone's approval
verb phrase
To listen carefully.
Hang on, I think I heard something outside.
Often appears as...
- hang on every word
- hang on to someone's story
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 5
Pro Tip 1/3Impatience Context
Often used when someone is in a rush but needs the other person to wait briefly.
Hang on, I just need to send this text!
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Conversation
Mostly used in informal settings among friends, family or casual acquaintances.
Can you hang on a sec while I tie my shoelaces?
Pro Tip 3/3Phone Usage
Commonly used to ask someone to wait on a telephone line.
Hang on, I'll check if she's available.
Pro Tip 1/3Impatience Context
Often used when someone is in a rush but needs the other person to wait briefly.
Hang on, I just need to send this text!
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Conversation
Mostly used in informal settings among friends, family or casual acquaintances.
Can you hang on a sec while I tie my shoelaces?
Pro Tip 3/3Phone Usage
Commonly used to ask someone to wait on a telephone line.
Hang on, I'll check if she's available.
Pro Tip 1/3Impatience Context
Often used when someone is in a rush but needs the other person to wait briefly.
Hang on, I just need to send this text!
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Conversation
Mostly used in informal settings among friends, family or casual acquaintances.
Can you hang on a sec while I tie my shoelaces?
Pro Tip 3/3Phone Usage
Commonly used to ask someone to wait on a telephone line.
Hang on, I'll check if she's available.
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