ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hang onto

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford Informal

phr. v.. to keep something instead of giving it away or throwing it out; you can also use it to mean holding something tightly with your hands.

phr. v.. to retain possession of an object or to maintain a physical grip on something; often used figuratively to describe keeping a job, a belief, or an advantage.


SIMPLE

You should hang onto that receipt in case you need a refund.

CONTEXTUAL

The climber had to hang onto the rope with both hands as the wind grew stronger.

COMPLEX

Despite the economic downturn, the company managed to hang onto its market share by aggressively cutting costs and pivoting to digital services.

Particles
onto
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
hang + onto + object
Usage

usually followed by a physical object or an abstract noun like 'hope', 'job', or 'lead'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'keep' to show that 'hang onto' often implies a bit more effort or a specific decision not to let go.

Pitfall

I will hang on it.I will hang onto it.the preposition 'onto' is necessary to show the relationship with the object being kept or held.

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