to hang on
362
3.0
- phrasal verb
- /hæŋ ɑn/
- Informal
:
esperar en la línea
- >> That's alright, hang on.
- hang on a second
- just hang on
- hang on a sec
I think Monica took the phone call and he wanted, I think, directions or the phone number for the store and he goes, hang on, hang on a second.
- I think Monica took the phone call and he wanted, I think, directions or the phone number for the store and he goes, hang on, hang on a second.
Examples
-
All right, so we're going to hang on here for another let's see minute or two and then get started.
-
- Wait, hang on, hang on.
-
Hello, hang on, I need to move this a little bit.
-
You mind if I hang on to this?
-
Whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on, hang on.
-
If you hang on, we'll give you some numbers.
-
Hang on, I'll be right back.
-
Hang on, Dez, my camera's freaking out.
-
Every passenger hangs on as the car bounces from the next dip.
Fiction book (2000) -
Please hang on while I transfer your call to the manager.
Synonyms
∞
1.3
To wait for a short time during a phone call
22
7.4
Wait patiently and stay calm during a delay
18
3.0
To remain connected by phone while you wait for help
14
3.7
To wait on the phone without hanging up
8
8.2
Tell someone to wait so you can check or explain something
Antonyms
How Long
Surface Forms
Morphology
The sense 'to continue or persist' is directly inferable from 'hang' (to cling or hold) plus 'on' (indicating continuation), so a learner who knows both words can derive the metaphorical extension to persisting. This compositional pattern (cling/hold + continuation) is common and parallels verbs like 'hold on', making the meaning accessible to a B1 learner.
Etymology
Hang on: One popular story says it comes from old telephones, where people kept holding the receiver instead of putting it back on the hook so they stayed on the line. That's why hang on can mean 'remain connected on a telephone line'.