hang on — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

hang on

wait for a short time

persist despite difficulty

Meaning 1 · most common

wait for a short time

hang on for a moment/minute/second
informal

A scene showing “hang on” meaning “wait a moment”.

to wait for a moment or a short period, often while someone does something or gets something ready.

How oftenVery common

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Hang on, I'll grab my keys and be right with you.

A: Can you help me with this?
B: Hang on, let me finish this email first.

Common mistake

Not: Hang ~~on me,~~ I'm nearly ready.

Say: Hang on, I'm nearly ready.

This sense is just 'hang on' (= wait), with no object. 'Hang on to me' means hold onto me.

More on “wait for a short time”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to hang on for a few minutes if someone is late, because unexpected things can happen.

Tell it apart

Hang on, I'll grab my coat.

wait

Hang on to the railing.

grip it

Goes with

hang on + a moment

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Next meaning: persist despite difficulty

Meaning 2

persist despite difficulty

hang on sth

A scene showing “hang on” meaning “keep going despite difficulty”.

to continue or persevere in a difficult or challenging situation, often when it would be easier to give up.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Despite the setbacks, she managed to hang on until the end of the project.

A: Things have been really tough at work lately.
B: I know, but just hang on a bit longer—things will improve.

Common mistake

Not: Hang on to the difficult times.

Say: Hang on through the difficult times. / Just hang on in there.

This 'persist' sense is 'hang on (in there)'. 'Hang on TO' means physically grip or keep something.

More on “persist despite difficulty”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In difficult economic climates, small businesses often have to hang on through periods of uncertainty in order to survive.

Tell it apart

Hang on in there — it gets easier.

keep going / endure

Hang on a sec, I'm coming.

wait briefly

Goes with

hang on (in there)

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Pick a meaning and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

wait for a short time persist despite difficulty