Hang onto Meaning in English
expression
ˈhæŋ/ /ˈɑntu/, /ˈɔntu
HANG-AHN-too, HANG-AWN-too
hˈæŋ/ /ˈɒntʊ
hang-ON-tuh
Definition
To hold something tightly or to keep something instead of giving it away or letting it go.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used for both physical action (not letting go) and for possessions or memories. Also spelled "hang on to". Common with 'something' or 'it': "hang onto your ticket". Not the same as 'hang out' (spend time).
Spanish: aferrarse a - guardar - quedarse conPortuguese (BR): agarrar - segurar firmemente - guardarPortuguese (PT): agarrar - segurar firmemente - guardarChinese (Simplified): 紧抓住 - 保留 - 不放弃Chinese (Traditional): 緊抓住 - 保留 - 不放棄Hindi: कसकर पकड़ना - संभालकर रखनाArabic: يتمسك بـ - يحتفظ بـBengali: ধরে রাখা - আঁকড়ে ধরা - সংরক্ষণ করাRussian: держаться - удерживать - не отдаватьJapanese: しっかり持つ - 手放さずに取っておくVietnamese: giữ chặt - giữ lạiKorean: 꽉 잡다 - 간직하다Turkish: tutmak - bırakmamak - saklamakUrdu: تھامے رکھنا - سنبھال کر رکھناIndonesian: memegang erat - mempertahankan
Example Sentences
Hang onto the railing when you go down the stairs.
basic
Can I hang onto this book a little longer?
basic
She always hangs onto old photos.
basic
You should hang onto your receipt in case you need to return something.
natural
I can't believe how long he's hung onto that old car!
natural
Sometimes it's hard to hang onto good memories.
natural