hang onto — to keep something; to hold onto something tightly
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to keep something; to hold onto something tightly
Pronunciation (IPA): /hæŋ ˈɒntu/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother always told me to hang onto my dreams, even if they seem impossible.
- I decided to hang onto my old phone because the new models are too expensive.
- Hang onto your coffee cup - this meeting is going to be a wild ride!
hang onto
VERB[/hæŋ ˈɒntu/]
to keep something; to hold onto something tightly
a mountain climber grips a thick rescue rope with both hands as strong winds blow around them. Their knuckles are white from holding on so tightly to avoid falling. A rescue helicopter hovers above while the rope sways dangerously in the wind. The climber's determined face shows intense concentration as they refuse to let go. Other rescue team members lean out from the helicopter trying to pull them to safety. The rope represents their lifeline that they must keep no matter what. someone hanging onto something tightly to keep it safe
He sang onto the tune, determined to hang onto his guitar despite the bang onto the can!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The verb 'hang' derives from Old English 'hangian', meaning to suspend or be suspended. 'Onto' is a compound preposition formed from 'on' and 'to', which together emphasize the sense of clinging or adhering to something.
Breakdown
hang (Old English 'hangian', to suspend) + onto (on + to, indicating position upon and direction toward), combining to express the act of maintaining a grip or attachment to something.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother always told me to hang onto my dreams, even if they seem impossible.”
“I decided to hang onto my old phone because the new models are too expensive.”
“Hang onto your coffee cup - this meeting is going to be a wild ride!”
“She managed to hang onto her job despite the company's massive layoffs.”
📚Related Words
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