hang on

phrasal-verb
UK: /hæŋ ɒn/
US: /hæŋ ɑːn/

  1. To wait for a short time.

    1. Hang on a minute, I'll be right back. [ ] [ ]
    2. Could you hang on while I check something in the other room please? [ ] [ ]

  2. To hold something tightly.

    1. Hang on tight, it's going to be a bumpy ride. [ ] [ ]
    2. The climber had to hang on with all his strength to avoid falling. [ ] [ ]

  3. To continue doing something, especially when it is difficult.

    1. Just hang on in there; things will get better soon. [ ] [ ]
    2. Despite the challenges, they managed to hang on and eventually succeed. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

persevere persist wait endure hold on
hang on intransitive-verb

  1. Continue or persist in a task or activity.

    1. Just hang on, we're almost there! [ ] [ ]
    2. We need to hang on until the funding arrives for the project. [ ] [ ]

  2. Hold the telephone line open; wait to be reconnected.

    1. Hang on while I transfer you to another department. [ ] [ ]
    2. Please hang on, your call is important to us and will be answered. [ ] [ ]
hang on interjection

  1. Used to tell someone to wait or be patient.

    1. Hang on! I need to find my keys first. [ ] [ ]
    2. Hang on a second! Let me grab my coat before we leave the house. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "hang on" in English means: To wait for a short time., To hold something tightly., To continue doing something, especially when it is difficult..

The phonetic transcription of "hang on" is /hæŋ ɒn/ in British English and /hæŋ ɑːn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "hang on": persevere, persist, wait, endure, hold on.

Example usage of "hang on": "Hang on a minute, I'll be right back.". More examples on the page.