ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hang tight

idiom
Meaning

To wait, without attempting to address a challenging, alarming, or dangerous situation, until a later point in time.


Origin

disputed origin

From hang + tight, possibly in part from a blend of hang on + hold tight.

Examples
SIMPLE

Please hang tight while I check the status of your order.

CONTEXTUAL

The storm is very strong right now, so we should hang tight until it passes.

COMPLEX

Although the market volatility caused widespread panic among investors, the firm advised them to hang tight and avoid making any rash decisions until the situation stabilized.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    get the hang of

    To begin to understand or manage at a basic level; to learn to handle with some skill.

  2. 02

    give a hang

    give a hoot; give a damn (to care about; to place value on something)

  3. 03

    go hang

    To be cursed; to be unworthy of notice or bother.

  4. 04

    hang a leg

    To hesitate; to hang back.

  5. 05

    hang a Louie

    Make a left turn while driving a vehicle (←).

  6. 06

    hang a Ralph

    To make a right turn while driving a vehicle (→).

  7. 07

    hang a uey

    To make a U-turn while driving a vehicle (∩).

  8. 08

    hang an arse

    to hang back, to be afraid to advance.

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