hang-on

[ hang-on, -awn ]

noun

1. something easily attached to or mounted on another surface or object, as a turbocharger or transceiver in an automobile, a unit suspendable from shelving, or a portable soap dish.

adjective

1. pertaining to or denoting such an attachment:

   A clumsy hang-on unit supplied the air conditioning.

hang on

verb

1. adverb to continue or persist in an activity, esp with effort or difficulty

   hang on at your present job until you can get another

2. adverb to cling, grasp, or hold

   she hangs on to her mother's arm

3. preposition to be conditioned or contingent on; depend on

   everything hangs on this business deal

4. Alsohang ontohang upon preposition to listen attentively to

   she hung on his every word

5. informal.
   adverb to wait or remain

   hang on for a few minutes

Word History and Origins

Origin of hang-on¹

Noun, adj. use of verb phrase hang on

Example Sentences

The small black syce-and heaven knows how HE had managed to hang on-darted to the heads of the leading mules.

From Project Gutenberg

Says it's nothin' but just grit and hang-on that keeps him alive.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cling
• go on
• grasp
• hold on
• hold out
• persevere
• persist