hang one's head — to show shame or embarrassment by looking downward
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to show shame or embarrassment by looking downward
Pronunciation (IPA): /hæŋ wʌnz hed/
Example Sentences
- The student hung his head when the teacher asked about his missing homework.
- Even the dog seemed to hang its head after being caught stealing food from the table.
- She hung her head in embarrassment when she realized she had been singing loudly in the quiet library.
hang one's head
NOUN[/hæŋ wʌnz hed/]
to show shame or embarrassment by looking downward
to show shame or embarrassment by looking downward
He hangs his head in dread of what will be said
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom evolved from the literal physical act of lowering one's head downward, which gradually developed into a figurative expression of shame, embarrassment, or remorse. The gesture became conventionalized in English to represent emotional states of humiliation or contrition.
Breakdown
hang (to suspend or droop downward) + head (the upper part of the body) — the physical act of letting one's head drop or bow as a bodily manifestation of shame or disappointment.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The student hung his head when the teacher asked about his missing homework.”
“Even the dog seemed to hang its head after being caught stealing food from the table.”
“She hung her head in embarrassment when she realized she had been singing loudly in the quiet library.”
“The team captain hung his head after losing the championship game.”
📚Related Words
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