hang back
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To wait; to falter; to avoid proceeding through reluctance.
Register: informal
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
From this one poor hunt, then, the best lance out of all Nantucket, surely he will not hang back, when every foremast-hand has clutched a whetstone?
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “hang back” mean?
To wait; to falter; to avoid proceeding through reluctance.
Is “hang back” formal or informal?
hang back is generally informal.