hang on to . Cling tightly to something, retain, as in Hang on to those papers before they blow away . [Mid-1800s] Also see hang on to your hat .

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d2858351ccd","ordinal":2,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Continue persistently, persevere, as in This cough is hanging on much longer than I expected , or He was hanging on, hoping business would improve when interest rates went down . This usage was sometimes embellished to , meaning “to persist at any cost.” [Second half of 1800s]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d2858351cce","ordinal":3,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Keep a telephone connection open, as in Please hang on, I'll see if he's in . [First half of 1900s]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d2858351ccf","ordinal":4,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Wait for a short time, be patient, as in Hang on, I'm getting it as fast as I can . [First half of 1900s]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d2858351cd0","ordinal":5,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Depend on, as in Our plans hang on their decision about the new park . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1900s]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d2858351cd1","ordinal":6,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Blame on, as in They'll try to hang that robbery on the same gang, but I don't think they'll succeed . [ Colloquial ; first half of 1900s]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d2858351cd2","ordinal":7,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

hang one on . Get very drunk, as in Come on, let's go and hang one on . [ Slang ; mid-1900s] Also see the subsequent idioms beginning with hang on .

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hang on

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