hang back

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s tempting to hang back, especially as companies rein in travel spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Whether donning a tracksuit to join a fun-run along Windhoek's Independence Avenue, or insisting his driver hang back from official motorcades, he aimed to be a man of the people.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2025

With a piece like this, an outfit serves either to match its energy or hang back to let it shine.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 18, 2023

“Now, the first time there’s a real challenge we actually see, security forces are willing to hang back and wait and see what happens,” he told AP.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2023

There was the shifty rustling of unreadiness but finally a boy of fourteen led us off and I dared not hang back, as much as I hated the idea of seeing Mrs. Taylor.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou