Hang in there
Endurance encouragement
Littéralement: Attach yourself to a location and remain there
Use `hang in there` to encourage someone facing a long-term challenge or a stressful period.
En 15 secondes
- Encouragement to stay strong during a difficult or long situation.
- Commonly used when someone is stressed, tired, or frustrated.
- A friendly way to say 'don't give up yet'.
Signification
This phrase is a way to tell someone to stay strong and not give up during a difficult time. It is like saying 'keep going' when things feel heavy or exhausting.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Texting a friend studying for finals
I know the exam is tomorrow, just hang in there!
I know the exam is tomorrow, stay strong!
A colleague complaining about a long meeting
Only ten minutes left, hang in there.
Only ten minutes left, keep going.
Professional encouragement during a tough quarter
The market is tough right now, but we need to hang in there.
The market is difficult, but we must persist.
Contexte culturel
The phrase became a global phenomenon in the 1970s due to a motivational poster featuring a Siamese kitten. It reflects the American cultural value of 'grit' and the idea that persistence eventually leads to success. It is often used to acknowledge that a situation is objectively bad without trying to sugarcoat it.
The 'Kitten' Connection
If you want to be funny, you can mention the 'kitten on a poster.' Most Americans will immediately know you're talking about the 70s meme.
Don't say 'Hang on there'
Be careful with prepositions! `Hang on` means wait a second, but `hang in there` means endure a hardship. Mixing them sounds confusing.
En 15 secondes
- Encouragement to stay strong during a difficult or long situation.
- Commonly used when someone is stressed, tired, or frustrated.
- A friendly way to say 'don't give up yet'.
What It Means
Hang in there is your go-to phrase for emotional support. It means to persist despite difficulties. Imagine someone dangling from a cliff. If they let go, they fall. If they hang in there, they survive until things get better. It is about endurance and patience.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a standalone sentence or a closing remark. It works best when someone is venting about a long, annoying process. You don't need to offer a solution. Just say the phrase to show you are on their side. It is like a verbal hug for their willpower.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend is studying for a huge exam. Use it when a colleague is dealing with a never-ending project. It is perfect for texting someone who is sick. If your friend is waiting for a job offer, this is the right thing to say. It fits any situation where time is the only cure.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for immediate, life-threatening emergencies. If someone is actually falling, don't say hang in there—call for help! Avoid using it for very minor inconveniences. If someone drops a spoon, this phrase is too dramatic. Also, avoid it if someone is grieving a deep loss. In those cases, it can sound a bit too casual or dismissive.
Cultural Background
This phrase exploded in popularity in the 1970s. It was famously paired with a poster of a kitten clinging to a bamboo bar. That 'Hang In There, Baby' poster became a symbol of office survival. It captured the feeling of being tired but refusing to quit. It is now a staple of American resilience culture.
Common Variations
You might hear people say hang tough or stick with it. Some might simply say keep at it. In a more modern, casual way, people say hang on. However, hang in there remains the most classic version. It carries a specific warmth that other variations sometimes lack.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is primarily informal to neutral. It is most effective when the person you are speaking to is visibly struggling or has expressed frustration.
The 'Kitten' Connection
If you want to be funny, you can mention the 'kitten on a poster.' Most Americans will immediately know you're talking about the 70s meme.
Don't say 'Hang on there'
Be careful with prepositions! `Hang on` means wait a second, but `hang in there` means endure a hardship. Mixing them sounds confusing.
The Silent 'It'
Sometimes people say 'Hang in' as a very short version, but it's much rarer. Stick to the full three words for maximum impact.
Exemples
6I know the exam is tomorrow, just hang in there!
I know the exam is tomorrow, stay strong!
Shows support during a high-stress academic moment.
Only ten minutes left, hang in there.
Only ten minutes left, keep going.
Used to acknowledge shared boredom or frustration.
The market is tough right now, but we need to hang in there.
The market is difficult, but we must persist.
A bit more serious, focusing on collective endurance.
I know you want that pizza. Hang in there, the salad is... healthy?
I know you want pizza. Resist the temptation!
Lighthearted encouragement for a minor struggle.
The right job will come. Just hang in there a little longer.
The right job will come. Don't lose hope.
Provides comfort during a discouraging time.
You're almost at the finish line! Hang in there!
You are almost finished! Keep pushing!
Focuses on physical endurance and reaching a goal.
Teste-toi
Choose the best response for a friend who is tired of house hunting.
I've looked at twenty houses and hate them all! Response: '___, you'll find the right one soon.'
`Hang in there` is the set expression for encouraging someone to keep trying.
Identify the correct context for this phrase.
Which situation is most appropriate for 'hang in there'?
Waiting for a delayed flight is a frustrating situation that requires patience.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of 'Hang in there'
Slang with close friends
Keep it 100
Standard friendly encouragement
Hang in there!
Workplace peer support
Let's keep pushing.
Professional resilience
We must remain steadfast.
When to say 'Hang in there'
Exam Week
Stressed student
Job Search
After a rejection
Long Illness
Recovering from flu
Bad Traffic
Stuck in a car
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, if you have a friendly relationship. It’s a great way to show empathy when they are stressed, like saying I know it's a busy week, hang in there.
Almost. Don't give up is a direct command, while hang in there feels more like a supportive observation of their struggle.
No! Hang out means to spend leisure time together. If you tell a stressed person to hang out there, they will be very confused.
It is okay for stress or frustration, but for deep grief (like a death), it can feel too small. Use I'm so sorry for your loss instead.
It likely comes from boxing, where a fighter would literally hang onto the ropes to stay standing. It became popular through motivational posters in the 1970s.
Yes. If someone is running a marathon or doing something physically hard, hang in there is a very common way to cheer them on.
Not really. Hang in there is a fixed expression. Shortening it usually changes the meaning or makes it sound incorrect.
It is used in both, though it has a very strong association with American 'can-do' culture and 20th-century motivational media.
A simple Thanks, I'm trying! or I will, thanks for the support works perfectly.
It's a bit casual for a formal email to a client. Use We appreciate your patience instead in those professional settings.
Expressions liées
Keep your chin up
Stay positive in a tough situation.
Stick it out
Continue doing something until the end, even if it's unpleasant.
Tough it out
Endure a difficult period with strength.
Stay strong
Maintain your emotional or physical strength.
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement