hang back

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s tempting to hang back, especially as companies rein in travel spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Whether donning a tracksuit to join a fun-run along Windhoek's Independence Avenue, or insisting his driver hang back from official motorcades, he aimed to be a man of the people.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2025

She knows when to hang back and when to attack.

From Washington Times • Jun. 9, 2023

“It may make sense for females to hang back with calves that are vulnerable,” said lead author Jennifer Tennessen, a senior research scientist at the University of Washington’s Center for Ecosystem Sentinels.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2023

I hang back, taking laboriously slow steps as Farooq is right behind Aliya, and the last thing I want to do is give him a thrill by colliding into him.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali