H
Idioms beginning with "H"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of H:
[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 […]
[hang on the words of] also [hang on the lips of] {v. phr.}
To listen very attentively to.
Ann hangs on every word of her history teacher and takes very careful notes.
* /As he went on with his speech, his auditors, deeply interested, hung on […]
[hang on to] {v.}
To hold tightly; keep firmly.
The child hung on to its mother's apron, and would not let go.
John did not like his job, but decided to hang on to it until he found a better one.
[hang on to one's mother's apron strings]
See: [TIED TO ONE'S MOTHER'S APRON STRINGS].
[hang on to your hat] or [hold on to your hat] or [hold your hat] {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. Watch out; be prepared. — Used as a command, usually to warn of an unexpected action.
* /"Hold on to your hat," said Jim as he stepped on the gas and the car […]
[hang one on] {v. phr.}, {slang}
1. To give a heavy blow to; hit hard.
The champion hung one on his challenger in the second round and knocked him out of the ring.
2. To get very drunk.
* /After Smith lost his job, he went to a bar and hung one […]
[hang one's head] {v. phr.}
To bend your head forward in shame.
Johnny hung his head when the teacher asked him if he broke the window.
Compare: [HIDE ONE'S HEAD].
[hang out] {v.}
1. {slang}
To spend your time idly or lounging about.
The teacher complained that Joe was hanging out in poolrooms instead of doing his homework.
Compare: [HANG AROUND] (1).
2. {slang}
To live; reside.
* /Two policemen stopped […]
[hang out one's shingle] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To give public notice of the opening of an office, especially a doctor's or lawyer's office, by putting up a small signboard.
The young doctor hung out his shingle and soon had a large practice.
[hang over] {v.}
1. To be going to happen to; threaten.
Great trouble hangs over the little town because its only factory has closed down.
2. To remain to be finished or settled.
* /The committee took up the business that hung over from its last […]