hæŋ ɒn
informal
beginner
- Base verb:
- hang
- Particle:
- on
- Separable:
- No
What does "hang on" mean?
- To wait for a short time
- To hold tightly to something
- To persevere despite difficulties
- To depend on something
Examples
- Hang on a minute; I'm almost ready.
- Hang on tight! The ride is about to start.
- She hung on until help arrived.
- Everything hangs on the outcome of this meeting.
- Hang on, let me check my calendar.
How to use it
'Hang on' is informal for 'wait'. Similar to 'hold on'. 'Hang on to' something means to keep or retain it. Very common in conversation.
Similar expressions
wait
grip
persevere
depend
Opposites
let go
give up
release
Related phrasal verbs
- hang up
To end a phone call
- hang out
To spend time relaxing or socializing casually
- hang around
To wait or stay somewhere without any particular purpose
- hang back
To hesitate or be reluctant to act
- hang out with
To spend time casually with someone
- turn on
To start a device or appliance by pressing a switch or button
Use it in a practice answer
Try "hang on" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.