hang on

To wait for a short time.

• Hang on a minute.
• Can you hang on while I check the address?
• She asked me to hang on until the manager arrived.

How to use it: hang on a moment/minute/second (Hang on a second while I find my keys.)

Similar words: wait, hold on

Common phrases: hang on briefly, hang on please

To hold something firmly so that you stay safe or do not lose it.

• Hang on tight!
• He hung on to the rope with both hands.
• Can you hang on until I pull you up?

How to use it: hang on to something (Hang on to the rail as you go down.)

Similar words: hold on, cling

Opposites: let go

Common phrases: hang on tight, hang on to something

To keep something rather than throw it away or give it back yet.

• Hang on to that receipt.
• I hung on to her bag while she went swimming.
• Should we hang on to these old photos?

How to use it: hang on to something (Hang on to your receipt in case you need a refund.); hang on to something for someone (Could you hang on to this bag for me?)

Similar words: keep, hold on to, retain

Opposites: discard

Common phrases: hang on to something, hang on to receipts

To keep trying or surviving during a difficult time.

• Hang on; help is coming.
• She hung on despite the pain.
• Can the business hang on for another month?

How to use it: hang on until… (We must hang on until help arrives.)

Similar words: hold on, keep going, persevere

Opposites: give up

Common phrases: hang on longer, hang on bravely

To listen with great interest or admiration to everything someone says.

• They hang on her every word.
• The children hung on every word of his story.
• Why does everyone hang on everything that actor says?

How to use it: hang on someone’s every word (The students hung on the scientist’s every word.); hang on every word someone says (Her fans hang on every word she says.)

Similar words: listen attentively

Common phrases: hang on every word, hang on someone’s words

To continue believing in an idea or hope, even when it becomes difficult.

• Hang on to your dreams.
• He hung on to his faith through years of hardship.
• They still hang on to the hope of finding their son.

How to use it: hang on to something (She hung on to the belief that he would return.)

Similar words: hold on to, cling to

Opposites: abandon

Common phrases: hang on to hope, hang on to beliefs