hanging 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.
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.
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.

   Synonyms:

   hang in

See all 9 meanings of hang on