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.
The Familiar will know whether to run up or to hang back.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 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
“Now, the first time there’s a real challenge we actually see, security forces are willing to hang back and wait and see what happens,” he told AP.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2023
She knows when to hang back and when to attack.
From Washington Times • Jun. 9, 2023
There was the shifty rustling of unreadiness but finally a boy of fourteen led us off and I dared not hang back, as much as I hated the idea of seeing Mrs. Taylor.
From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
