hang back

British  

verb

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

---

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]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hang back

Given how precarious the slope was, the group decided Mingma G would hang back and monitor by drone, instructing the three climbers.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 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

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026

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 help Elizabeth grind spices, then hang back as the rest of the group gathers to watch Mama.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---