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.

In retrospect, he said, he would have made a move on the leaders earlier had he known the pack was going to hang back.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 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

“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

She knows when to hang back and when to attack.

From Washington Times • Jun. 9, 2023

Syracuse and, surprisingly, mighty Cornell— the Big Red hope of the East—continued to hang back with Washington, perhaps playing their game.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown