hang onverb/ˌhæŋ ˈɒn/

• 1

  To wait a moment.

  • Hang on. Let me check.
• 2

  To hold, grasp, or grip.

  • Hang on to the handle so you don't drop it.
  • "If you'll come along, then hang on!" said Hans, and the man had to hang on and limp along on one leg, whether he would or no; and when he tried to tear himself loose, he made it still worse for himself, for he was very nearly falling on his back whenever he struggled to get free.
• 3

  To keep; to store something for someone.

  • Hang on to my jacket until I get back.
• 4

  To pay close attention to, or regard with (possibly obsequious) admiration.

  • The audience hangs on his every word.
  • I'm stuck on your heart / I hang on every word you say
• 5

  To continually believe in something; to have faith in.

  • He's got a philosophy he hangs on to.
• 6

  To persevere.

  • Just hang on and keep going; this pain won't last forever.
  • It's such a perfect day, I'm glad I spend it with you / Such a perfect day you just keep me hanging on / You just keep me hanging on
• 7

  To depend upon.

  • Everything hangs on whether the boss agrees.
  • Medically, autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, hanging on a set of observed and reported behavioral characteristics.
• 8

  To weigh down or oppress.