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to hang back
[phrase form: hang]
01
to delay leaving or staying in a place after everyone else has departed
Intransitive: to hang back | to hang back somewhere
Examples
She decided to hang back at the office to finish some work after her colleagues had gone home.
The hikers were tired but wanted to hang back a bit longer to enjoy the sunset.
02
to hesitate to do or say something, often due to uncertainty or shyness
Intransitive: to hang back | to hang back from sth
Examples
He tends to hang back in social situations, observing rather than participating.
The opportunity to speak with the CEO was there, but he hung back and missed the chance to network.
