hæŋ bæk
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- hang
- Particle:
- back
- Separable:
- No
What does "hang back" mean?
- To hesitate or be reluctant to act
- To stay behind others; to not move forward with a group
Examples
- Don't hang back; join the discussion!
- She always hangs back when meeting new people.
- Some students hung back after class to ask questions.
- He hung back, unsure whether to approach her.
- There's no need to hang back; everyone is welcome.
How to use it
Describes hesitation or reluctance, often due to shyness. Not negative like 'hang around'. Suggests being less confident or forward than others.
Similar expressions
hesitate
hold back
stay behind
be reluctant
Opposites
step forward
participate
engage
Related phrasal verbs
- hang up
To end a phone call
- hang out
To spend time relaxing or socializing casually
- hang on
To wait for a short time
- hang around
To wait or stay somewhere without any particular purpose
- hang out with
To spend time casually with someone
- get back
To return to a place
Use it in a practice answer
Try "hang back" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.