Hang back
/hæŋ ˈbæk/B1
PreIntermediate
1. To stay in a place without moving forward or joining others.
- During the meeting, she decided to hang back and listen rather than speak up.
- When the class went on a field trip, Tim hung back because he felt nervous about meeting new people.
2. To be reluctant to do something or to hesitate.
- He knew he should apologize, but something made him hang back.
- Although curious, she hung back, unsure if she was welcome.
Synonyms:
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