The Archive

Etymology Journal · H

Hang in there

Meaning

A gentle, encouraging way to tell someone to keep going through a difficult time without actually providing any helpful advice. It is the verbal equivalent of a cat poster on a breakroom wall.

Supportive, vague, optimistic

Used in a sentence

  • I know the project is tough, but just hang in there.
  • Hang in there, graduation is only two weeks away.
  • I know you are stressed, but hang in there.

The backstory

The phrase became iconic in the 1970s thanks to a famous poster featuring a kitten dangling from a bamboo pole. It quickly migrated from office decor to universal shorthand for stay strong.

Heard in

Nationwide

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