English

Verb

hang on ‎(third-person singular simple present hangs on, present participle hanging on, simple past and past participle hung on)

1. (idiomatic) To wait a moment (usually imperative).

   Hang on. Let me check.‎

2. To hold, grasp, or grip.

   Hang on to the handle so you don't drop it.‎

   • 1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, chapter 7, in Mr. Pratt's Patients:

     Old Applegate, in the stern, just set and looked at me, and Lord James, amidship, waved both arms and kept hollering for help. I took a couple of everlasting big strokes and managed to grab hold of the skiff's rail, close to the stern. Then, for a jiffy, I hung on and fought for breath.

3. (idiomatic) To keep; to store something for someone

   Hang on to my jacket until I get back.‎

4. (idiomatic) To pay close attention.

   The audience hangs on his every word.‎

5. (idiomatic) To continually believe in something; to have faith in.

   He's got a philosophy he hangs on to.‎

6. (idiomatic) To persevere.

   Just hang on and keep going; this pain won't last forever.‎

   • 1972 : Perfect Day by Lou Reed

     It's such a perfect day, I'm glad I spend it with you

     Such a perfect day you just keep me hanging on

     You just keep me hanging on

Translations

See also

• hold
• hold on
• hold up