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.

Peck was in attendance and admitted he wanted to say hello to Mary-Kate, but he chose to hang back instead.

From Los Angeles Times

Hammer staffers will lay them out and either discuss the works with guests or hang back and let visitors connect privately with the art.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

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