hang on

hang on  {v.}

1. To hold on to something, usually tightly.

Jack almost fell off the cliff, but managed to hang on until help came.

Syn.: HOLD ON (1).

2a. To continue doing something; persist.

The grocer was losing money every day, but he hung on, hoping that business would improve.

Compare: HOLD OUT, STICK OUT.

2b. To hold a lead in a race or other contest while one's opponents try to rally.

The favorite horse opened an early lead and hung on to win as two other horses almost passed him in the final stretch.

Bunning, staked to a 6—0 lead in the first inning, hung on to heat the Dodgers 6—4.

3. To continue to give trouble or cause suffering.

Lou's cold hung on from January to April.

4. To continue listening on the telephone.

Jerry asked John, who had called him on the phone, to hung on while he ran for a pencil and a sheet of paper.

Compare: HOLD ON (3).