hang on
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle on
Meanings
Wait for a short time
Why “on”? Sliding forward along the surface. Motion that keeps going on and on.
“Hang on a minute.”
“Hang on while I find the key.”
Hold something tightly
Why “on”? Something touches, grips, or sticks to a surface.
“Hang on to the rail.”
“Hang on to the rope in the boat.”
“Hang on to my arm; the path is icy.”
Keep something rather than giving it away
“Hang on to that ticket.”
“Hang on to the receipt until Friday.”
Don't confuse with
Hang on means wait for a short time. Hang in means stay determined despite difficulties.
Test yourself
“Hang on a minute.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
hang in
A contrast learners often mix up
Stay determined despite difficulties
bring on
Same on pattern: continuation
Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start; Help someone or something develop or improve
call on
Same on pattern: continuation
Ask someone to do something formally
carry on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue doing something; Behave in a silly, loud or annoying way; Have a romantic affair, often secretly
catch on
Same on pattern: continuation
Become popular or fashionable; Begin to understand something
come on
Same on pattern: continuation
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Try to start a romantic or sexual relationship with someone; Be broadcast on television or radio
crack on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue working hard, often after a break
drag on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue for too long in a tedious way
Practice “hang on” in Sink In
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