# hang over

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hang-over
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to be physically above

phrasal verb · CEFR B1

to be positioned or suspended above something else.

For teachers: to be suspended or positioned directly above a surface or object. This sense is usually inseparable.

- A thick layer of smoke started to hang over the city after the fireworks.
- A heavy chandelier hung over the dining table, casting a warm glow across the assembled guests during the evening meal.

### 2. to be a threat

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

to make you feel worried or unhappy because something bad might happen.

For teachers: to be imminent or threatening in a way that causes persistent anxiety or gloom. Often used with abstract nouns like 'threat', 'cloud', or 'suspicion'.

- The fear of losing his job continued to hang over him all month.
- The threat of a national strike hung over the negotiations, making both sides hesitant to reach a final agreement before the deadline.

### 3. to remain from the past

phrasal verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to continue to exist from an earlier time, often in a way that is not wanted.

For teachers: to persist or linger as a remainder from a previous period or event. Often used in the context of traditions or unresolved issues.

- Old traditions still hang over the village, even though life has changed.
- A sense of colonial history still hangs over the architecture of the capital, serving as a constant reminder of the city's complex origins.

## Examples

- The threat of losing my job hangs over me.
- The upcoming court case hangs over the family like a dark cloud, making it hard to enjoy anything.
- A sense of profound uncertainty hangs over the negotiations as both parties refuse to compromise on the final treaty terms.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: this is often used metaphorically with 'like a cloud' to help students visualize the persistent, oppressive nature of the worry.

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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.