hæŋ ɪn ðɛr
Emotions
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- To hold on to something and not let go
What does "hang in there" mean?
- To persevere during difficult times
- To not give up despite challenges
Examples
- I know things are tough, but hang in there—it'll get better.
- Hang in there! You're almost at the finish line.
- She told me to hang in there during my job search.
Origin
From the image of someone gripping a rope or ledge and not letting go. Became a popular encouragement phrase in 1970s American English.
How to use it
Common encouragement phrase. Often used when someone is struggling but close to success.
Similar expressions
keep going
persevere
don't give up
stay strong
Opposites
give up
quit
surrender
Related idioms
- lose your temper
To become suddenly angry
- get cold feet
To become nervous or afraid before doing something important
- on top of the world
Feeling extremely happy and successful
- rain on someone's parade
To spoil someone's plans or enthusiasm
- blow off steam
To release pent-up energy or emotion through activity
- pull yourself together
To regain composure and self-control
Use it in a practice answer
Try "hang in there" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.