hang on

Verb

hang on (third-person singular simple present hangs on, present participle hanging on, simple past and past participle hung on)

1. (figuratively, idiomatic, imperative) To wait a moment.
   • Hang on. Let me check.
2. (figuratively, idiomatic) To hold, grasp, or grip.
   • Hang on to the handle so you don't drop it.
   • "If you'll come along, then hang on!" said Hans, and the man had to hang on and limp along on one leg, whether he would or no; and when he tried to tear himself loose, he made it still worse for himself, for he was very nearly falling on his back whenever he struggled to get free.1886, Peter Christen Asbjø￵rnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 271
3. (figuratively, idiomatic) To keep; to store something for someone.
   • Hang on to my jacket until I get back.

   Synonyms:

   keep, store

4. (figuratively, idiomatic) To pay close attention to, or regard with (possibly obsequious) admiration.
   • The audience hangs on his every word.
   • I'm stuck on your heart / I hang on every word you say1989, Mike Chapman, Holly Knight, “The Best”, performed by Tina Turner
5. (figuratively, idiomatic) To continually believe in something; to have faith in.
   • He's got a philosophy he hangs on to.

   Synonyms:

   keep faith

6. (figuratively, idiomatic) To persevere.
   • Just hang on and keep going; this pain won't last forever.
   • It's such a perfect day, I'm glad I spend it with you / Such a perfect day you just keep me hanging on / You just keep me hanging on1972, Lou Reed, “Perfect Day”

   Synonyms:

   hang in

7. (figuratively, idiomatic) To depend upon.
   • Everything hangs on whether the boss agrees.
   • Medically, autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, hanging on a set of observed and reported behavioral characteristics.2021 April 29, Gemma L. Williams, Tim Wharton, Caroline Jagoe, “Mutual (Mis)understanding: Reframing Autistic Pragmatic “Impairments” Using Relevance Theory”, in Frontiers in Psychology, volume 12...

   Synonyms:

   hang upon

8. (figuratively, idiomatic) To weigh down or oppress.
9. (figuratively, idiomatic) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see hang, on.