hang back

VERB

be reluctant

Synonyms

WEAK

drop back drop behind hang fire hang off hold back hold off hover lag behind pause procrastinate shrink back shy away stay back stick straggle trail

Antonyms

WEAK

forge ahead

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.

Backcountry skiers are best going one at a time; the others hang back in case something catastrophic happens.

From Los Angeles Times

Or about the soldier who hung back, too scared to go to the front, and then was killed when a missile struck their base.

From Washington Post

Big Oil is hanging back, watching while wildcatters take on the risky exploratory work.

From Science Magazine

Linebacker Willie Gay rushed off the edge while Clark hung back before moving inside.

From Washington Post

When a new door opens, the mom’s reaction is usually to hang back.

From Washington Post