Phrasal verb
hinge on
Definition
phrasal verb. to depend completely on something in order to be successful or to happen.
phrasal verb. to depend entirely on a specific factor or event; used to indicate that one outcome is contingent upon another.
Examples
“The success of the party hinges on the weather.”
“The entire legal case hinges on whether the witness is telling the truth.”
“The future of the peace treaty hinges on the willingness of both parties to compromise on territorial boundaries.”
Examples
simple
“The success of the party hinges on the weather.”
contextual
“The entire legal case hinges on whether the witness is telling the truth.”
complex
“The future of the peace treaty hinges on the willingness of both parties to compromise on territorial boundaries.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “hinge on” in context.
Verb
01. entirely hinge on
“The success of the peace talks will entirely hinge on both parties agreeing to a ceasefire.”
adv + verb
02. hinge on a single factor
“The jury's final verdict seemed to hinge on a single factor: the reliability of the eyewitness.”
verb + prep + adj + noun
03. hinge on his performance
“Whether we secure the contract hinges on his performance during the final presentation.”
verb + prep + possessive + noun
04. hinge on the outcome
“The future of the entire company hinges on the outcome of this afternoon's board meeting.”
verb + prep + noun
Usage
usually followed by a noun or a noun phrase representing the critical factor.
Teaching tip
anchor this to the physical 'hinge' of a door; just as a door cannot swing without its hinge, the situation cannot move forward without the key factor.
Pitfall
The plan hinges of his decision.
The plan hinges on his decision.
the verb 'hinge' must be followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon', never 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
hinge + on + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/hinge-on