hang fire

phrase

Definition of hang firenext
as in delay
to move or act slowly He asked his team to hang fire until he was ready.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hang fire
  1. fall behind
  2. mark time
Phrase
  • Then in the third quarter, on the Patriots’ first play from scrimmage after falling behind 21-3, Maye had a pass intercepted by Jacksonville’s Jarrian Jones.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The Tigers started drives by trying to get QB Austin Simmons going, but often fell behind the sticks with minimal gains or no gains on first and second down.
    — PJ Green September 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of fall behind
Phrase
  • The moon represents creation and destruction, rebirth, eternity, the feminine, time, marking time, mystery, the night, and secrets.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of mark time
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

hangers-on
hang fire
hang gliding
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hang fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang%20fire. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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