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.
"If we hang back and stand still this will just run right over the top of us," he said in the speech at the University of Sydney.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
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
With a piece like this, an outfit serves either to match its energy or hang back to let it shine.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 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
