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
fall behind
Phrase
  • England were the only other side to fall behind twice and win, overcoming first-half concessions against DR Congo and Norway before winning both 2-1.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The Padres fell behind early and stranded runners throughout.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
Definition of fall behind
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 25 Jul. 2026.

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