How to Pronounce "hang on for dear life"
expression
HANG-ON fer DEER-LYFE
hang-ON faw DEE-uh LYFE
Definition
To hold onto something very tightly because you are afraid, nervous, or in a dangerous situation. This expression is often used both literally (physically gripping something) and figuratively (dealing with a difficult situation).
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈhæŋ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈdɪɹ/ /ˈɫaɪf
British English
hˈæŋ/ /ˈɒn/ /fˈɔː/ /dˈiə/ /lˈaɪf
Simplified Pronunciation
US
HANG-ON fer DEER-LYFE
UK
hang-ON faw DEE-uh LYFE
Listen in Context
He hung on for dear life as the bus turned the sharp corner.
The child hung on for dear life to his mother's hand in the crowd.
You have to hang on for dear life during the roller coaster ride.
When things get tough at work, I just hang on for dear life and hope for the best.