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

But those who know Kushner are convinced he will hang back and leave the basketball to the pros.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026

"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

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

Leslie never seemed to hesitate, so Jesse could not hang back.

From "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson