hang on
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle on
Meanings
Wait for a short time
Why “on”? An action, event, state, or path continues or moves to a later point.
“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.”
“Maya hung on to her hat in the strong wind.”
“The child hung on to his dad's hand in the crowd.”
Keep something rather than giving it away
“Hang on to that ticket.”
“Hang on to the spare key in case I lose mine.”
Common mistake
Do you want to hang on this weekend?
Do you want to hang out this weekend?
Hang on = wait or hold; hang out = spend relaxed time together.
Natural collocations
The word partners “hang on” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
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
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; Show romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a direct way; 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
drone on
Same on pattern: continuation
Talk for a long time in a boring, monotonous voice
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