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

The Familiar will know whether to run up or to hang back.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 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

“Now, the first time there’s a real challenge we actually see, security forces are willing to hang back and wait and see what happens,” he told AP.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2023

She knows when to hang back and when to attack.

From Washington Times • Jun. 9, 2023

“Ron reckons I should just hang back after Potions this afternoon...”

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling