hang back

British  

verb

1. to be reluctant to go forward or carry on (with some activity)

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hang back Idioms  

1. Be reluctant to move ahead, hold back. For example, They hung back at the entrance, fearful that they wouldn't be admitted, or We hung back to let our parents go in first. [Second half of 1500s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hang back

"If we hang back and stand still this will just run right over the top of us," he said in the speech at the University of Sydney.

From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026

It’s tempting to hang back, especially as companies rein in travel spending.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026

In retrospect, he said, he would have made a move on the leaders earlier had he known the pack was going to hang back.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 21, 2026

Whether donning a tracksuit to join a fun-run along Windhoek's Independence Avenue, or insisting his driver hang back from official motorcades, he aimed to be a man of the people.

From BBC ● Feb. 8, 2025

“Let’s say we hang back here for a minute,” Max said as we neared a thick patch of overgrowth.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith