# linger on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/linger-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To continue to ponder or observe something for longer than normal.

## Examples

- Do not linger on your past mistakes.
- The photographer liked to linger on the details of the old building before taking the shot.
- While the rest of the audience moved toward the exit, he chose to linger on the final, haunting notes of the symphony.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.