hang in there

Meaning

'Hang in there' is an encouraging expression used to tell someone to remain persistent, patient, and strong during a difficult situation. It means 'don't give up' or 'stay strong' when facing adversity. It is highly casual, warm, and empathetic, and is almost always used as a direct piece of advice.

Examples

• I know studying for finals is exhausting, but hang in there—you're almost done!

  I know studying for finals is exhausting, but hang in there—you're almost done!

• Just hang in there; the busy season at work will be over by next week.

  Just hang in there; the busy season at work will be over by next week.

• She told her brother to hang in there while he was looking for a new job.

  She told her brother to hang in there while he was looking for a new job.

• Hang in there, buddy! Things are bound to get better soon.

  Hang in there, buddy! Things are bound to get better soon.

• It's tough recovering from surgery, but you just have to hang in there.

  It's tough recovering from surgery, but you just have to hang in there.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Please hang on there.

  ✓ Please hang in there.

  'Hang on' means to wait or hold tight, whereas 'hang in there' means to persevere through difficulty. Mixing them up changes the meaning.

• ✗ He is hanging in there his difficult exam.

  ✓ He is hanging in there during his difficult exam.

  'Hang in there' is an intransitive phrasal verb. It cannot take a direct object, so you must use a preposition like 'during' or 'through'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I know the project is stressful right now, but ___!

  💡 don't give up

  Show answer

  hang in there

• Just ___ for a few more days; your vacation starts on Friday.

  💡 stay strong and patient

  Show answer

  hang in there