Hang up
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 2023-11-07

The idiom "hang up" has multiple meanings in English. Let's explore some of them:
1. To end a phone call: When someone says they are going to "hang up," it means they are going to end the phone conversation. This expression originates from the time when telephones had a physical receiver that needed to be hung up to disconnect the call.
Example:
- "I need to hang up now, I have another call coming in."
- "She hung up on me before I could finish my sentence."
2. To have difficulty accepting or letting go of something: When someone can't "hang up" on a situation or a feeling, it means they are finding it challenging to move on or let go of it. It implies a lingering attachment or inability to leave the past behind.
Example:
- "He can't hang up on his ex-girlfriend, even though they broke up two years ago."
- "I need to hang up my worries and focus on the present."
3. To delay or postpone something: In this context, "hang up" means to put off or delay doing something. It suggests a temporary halt or interruption of a task or action.
Example:
- "Let's hang up the meeting until tomorrow, when everyone is available."
- "She hung up her plans to go on vacation due to unexpected work commitments."
4. To become stuck or caught: When an object or a person becomes "hung up," it means they are stuck or trapped in a particular situation. It can also refer to getting caught up in a problem or being unable to move forward.
Example:
- "The car got hung up on a rock, and we couldn't move it."
- "Don't get hung up on the small details; focus on the bigger picture."
5. To obsess or focus excessively on something: When someone is "hung up" on a particular idea, person, or issue, it means they are overly preoccupied or fixated on it.
Example:
- "She's really hung up on getting a promotion; it's all she talks about."
- "He's hung up on his appearance, always worrying about how he looks."
It's important to note that the meaning of "hang up" can vary depending on the context in which it is used. Understanding the context and the specific usage is crucial for proper comprehension.