Phrasal Verbs with “Hang”

Here’s the ultimate list of phrasal verbs with “hang.”

“Hang about” Meaning and Examples

Hang about – Meaning 1

To waste time somewhere. To stay somewhere not doing much.

Example

They always hang about in the square after class. They like to talk there.

They always waste time in the square after class. They like to talk there.

Hang about – Meaning 2

To stop doing something and pay attention, normally used in imperative.
* Not common.

Example

Hang about! We should not cross that river, it’s too dangerous.

Stop! We should not cross that river, it’s too dangerous.

“Hang around” Meaning and Examples

To spend time somewhere not doing anything or waiting. To waste time.

Example

I’ll just hang around here while you finish your class. After that, we can go home.

I’ll just spend time here while you finish your class. After that, we can go home.

“Hang back” Meaning and Examples

To not act immediately, to wait before acting, to delay doing something. 

Example

She wanted to kiss him, but she hung back because she was not too confident.

She wanted to kiss him, but she didn’t act immediately because she was not too confident. 

“Hang in” Meaning and Examples

Used as “hang in there,” it refers to resisting and persevering. Use as encouragement. 

Example

I know the pandemic has been difficult, but hang in there! Things will get better!

I know the pandemic has been difficult, but resist! Things will get better!

“Hang on” Meaning and Examples

Hang on – Meaning 1

To hold on to something, to hold something tightly.

Example

Hang on to something or you could fall. The train moves really fast.

Hold on to something or you could fall. The train moves really fast. 

Hang on – Meaning 2

To wait.

Example

Josh has not arrived, but let’s not panic. Let’s just hang on and see if he calls.

Josh has not arrived, but let’s not panic. Let’s just wait and see if he calls. 

Hang on! I’ve just had a better idea! Let’s go to the beach together!

Wait! I’ve just had a better idea! Let’s go to the beach together!

Hang on – Meaning 3

To depend.

Examples

Our chances to win the game hang on this last play. We need to score.

Our chances to win the game depend on this last play. We need to score. 

Hang on – Meaning 4

Used as hang onto, it refers to keeping something.

Example

She hung onto his hoodie as a reminder of their love.

She kept his hoodie as a reminder of their love. 

“Hang out” Meaning and Examples

Hang out – Meaning 1

To spend time with friends, to go out.

Example

I’ll be back later, mom! I am going to hang out with the boys in the club.

I’ll be back later, mom! I am going to spend some time with the boys in the club.

Hang out – Meaning 2

To put the clothes outside to dry.

Example

Ever since the dryer broke, we need to hang out the clothes.

Ever since the dryer broke, we need to put the clothes outside to dry.

“Hang over” Meaning and Examples

To worry or feel upset about something

Example

The fear of getting sick is hanging over me. I should stay at home.

The fear of getting sick is worrying me. I should stay at home. 

“Hang together” Meaning and Examples

Hang together – Meaning 1

To combine well, to work well together.

Example

The problem with your essay is that the paragraphs don’t hang together. You need connectors. 

The problem with your essay is that the paragraphs don’t combine well. You need connectors.

Hang together – Meaning 2

To stay and work together when things get difficult.

Example

The only way we can finish this assignment in time is by hanging together. Stop fighting.

The only way we can finish this assignment in time is by working together. Stop fighting. 

“Hang up” Meaning and Examples

Hang together – Meaning 1

To finish a phone conversation, to end a call.

Example

After hanging up, I left my phone charging and went out.

After ending the call, I left my phone charging and went out. 

Andy was really angry because he thought I hung up on him, but the line had cut.

Andy was really angry because he thought I ended the call with him, but the line had cut. 

Hang together – Meaning 2

To put something in a higher position. 

Example

You need to hang up your coat at the entrance.

You need to put your coat in a higher position at the entrance. 

Hang together – Meaning 3

To stop using something because you retired.

Example

That is the movie where Batman hangs up his cloak after he’s injured.

That is the movie where Batman retires and stops using his cloak after he’s injured.

“Hang with” Meaning and Examples

To spend time with someone.

Example

Jake is behaving better since he stopped hanging with those kids from the neighborhood.

Jake is behaving better since he stopped spending time with those kids from the neighborhood.