Idiom
Hang in there
Hang in there is a way of telling someone to keep going and not give up during a hard time.
How people use it
People say it to encourage a friend, coworker or family member who is stressed, tired or going through something difficult: a hard exam week, a long recovery, a tough job search. It is warm and informal, and it can be said, texted or written in a card. It is usually an instruction (Hang in there, it gets easier) or a comment on someone coping (She is hanging in there). If you ask How are you? and hear Hanging in there, it usually means things are hard but the person is managing.
Also said: hanging in there.
Examples
- Hang in there, Sam; the last week of training is always the hardest.
- Mom is hanging in there after her knee surgery and is already walking a little.
- I know the move is stressful, but hang in there and take it one box at a time.
Where it comes from
Hang in there is American and became common in the mid-1900s, growing out of the older idea of hanging on: holding tight so you don't fall or lose. It may have been helped along by boxing and sports talk, where a fighter who hangs in stays in the contest. A famous 1970s poster of a kitten clinging to a branch with the words Hang in there, baby made it even more popular.
Check yourself
1. Your friend texts that her week has been awful. Why might you reply "Hang in there"?
Answer: To encourage her to keep going. Hang in there is a friendly way to say don't give up.
2. Someone asks how you are and you say "Hanging in there." What does that suggest?
Answer: Things are tough, but you are coping. Hanging in there means you are getting through a hard time.
Similar idioms
Word game fan? See every word hiding in HANG.