hang tough

H

hang tough (phrasal verb/idiom)
/hæŋ tʌf/

Meaning

• Remain firm and determined in a difficult situation without giving in or changing your stance.
• Persist through hardship or adversity with mental or emotional strength.
• Continue to resist pressure, threats, or challenges without showing weakness.
• Stand your ground when faced with opposition, refusing to back down.

Example Sentences

1. Despite the criticism, she hang tough and stays true to her beliefs.
2. You have to hang tough during exams if you want to succeed.
3. The team managed to hang tough and win in the final minutes.
4. He told his friend to hang tough while going through the breakup.
5. Even with financial struggles, they hang tough and keep their business running.

Origin and History

The phrase “hang tough” likely originated from literal expressions emphasizing physical endurance. Early uses of the phrase include an 1854 reference:

“Hold on, brave spars; hang tight, good rope; a whole life now rests on every strand.”

It illustrates the importance of holding firmly, possibly in nautical contexts where maintaining grip was crucial for survival. This literal sense of clinging tightly laid the groundwork for the phrase’s later metaphorical applications.

Transition to Metaphorical Usage

By the early 20th century, “hang tough” began to adopt a figurative meaning, signifying emotional or mental resilience. A 1936 citation in Over the Wall—”Your fifteen years still hanging tough?”—demonstrates this shift, implying steadfastness in the face of adversity. This evolution reflects a broader trend of physical expressions acquiring metaphorical significance.

This predates its widespread adoption in American vernacular, suggesting that while the phrase became emblematic of American resilience, its origins may be more geographically diverse.

Cultural Adoption and Popularization

The idiom gained prominence in American English, particularly during the mid-20th century. Its usage in various contexts, from military jargon to sports commentary, underscored its association with perseverance and determination. Notably, the 1988 song “Hangin’ Tough” by New Kids on the Block further popularized the phrase, embedding it into mainstream culture.

Synonyms

1. hold firm
2. stand your ground
3. stick it out
4. hold on
5. be resilient
6. tough it out
7. weather the storm

Variants

• hang in there
• hang tight
• tough it out
• hold tough (less common but occasionally used in similar contexts)

Phrasal Verbs