hang on

/hˈaŋ ˈɒn/

/hˈæŋ ˈɑːn/

to hang on

MAIN VERB

[phrase form: hang]

to wait briefly

to attain something carefully

synonyms : append

be persistent, refuse to stop

synonyms : hang in

to hold a phone call until one is available to talk

synonyms : hold on

*** to depend on something

*** Hold, grasp, or grip

*** Keep; to store something for someone

*** Pay close attention

*** Continually believe in something; to have faith in

Examples

1. The team was hanging on by their fingernails in the final minutes of the game, but they managed to hold on for the win.

2. The company was hanging on by its fingernails during the recession, but it managed to survive thanks to some smart cost-cutting measures.

3. She grasped the side of the boat and hung on for dear life.

4. Hang on, let me show you a photo to see if that rings any bells for you.