hang in there
Meaning
Keep going and don’t give up, especially during a difficult or stressful time.
Origin
From the literal idea of continuing to “hang on” (to a rope, ledge, etc.) to avoid falling; it became a common encouragement phrase in modern English, popularized further by 1970s “Hang in there” posters.
Notes
A friendly, supportive encouragement. Common in speech, texts, and emails. It can sound slightly informal; add “please” or a longer supportive sentence for more formality.
Examples
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Hang in there—this week is hectic, but it’ll calm down soon.
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I know the rehab is painful, but hang in there; you’re making real progress.
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Hang in there, and don’t let one bad interview shake your confidence.
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If you can hang in there until payday, we’ll be able to cover the rent.
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She told me to hang in there when I felt like quitting the project.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase, usually imperative (“Hang in there!”). Can be used with “please” or a subject (“Just hang in there”). “There” is part of the set phrase and is rarely changed.
Synonyms
- keep going
- hold on
- hang on
- stay strong
- persevere
Antonyms
- give up
- quit
- throw in the towel