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

Peck was in attendance and admitted he wanted to say hello to Mary-Kate, but he chose to hang back instead.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 25, 2023

I hang back a little, but then there’s no more stalling: “Conover, two fifty-four,” I say.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover