hang tough: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hang tough’ mean?
The idiom "hang tough" means to persevere or remain determined in difficult or challenging situations. It conveys the idea of not giving up or wavering in the face of adversity.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "keep on trucking" means to persist or continue working hard despite difficulties or setbacks.
The idiom "keep one's chin up" means to remain cheerful and optimistic in a difficult or challenging situation. It encourages maintaining a positive attitude and not allowing oneself to be discouraged or defeated by adversity.
The idiom "keep on" means to continue doing something without stopping or to persist in doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.
The idiom "keep it up" means to continue doing something with the same effort and determination. It is often used to encourage or praise someone for their persistence or hard work.
The idiom "hold together" means to stay unified, despite challenges or difficulties, and not fall apart or disintegrate.
The idiom "hold the line" means to remain in a current position or keep a situation stable, often in the face of difficulty or opposition.
The idiom *hold tack* means to continue with an activity or plan even when facing challenges or obstacles. It suggests perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
Decoding Resilience
The idiom "hang in" is closely related to "hang tough." While "hang tough" emphasizes the need for strength and resilience in difficult situations, "hang in" focuses on perseverance and endurance. When someone is encouraged to "hang in," they are being urged to stay committed and not give up. It carries the idea of not letting go, similar to how one might hold onto a rope or ledge. The phrase is often used to provide support and motivation to someone facing challenges, reminding them to stay strong and keep going.
The idiom "do it tough" also shares similarities with "hang tough." It is an idiomatic expression commonly used in Australia and New Zealand, and it refers to facing difficult circumstances with determination and resilience. When someone is encouraged to "do it tough," they are being urged to confront challenges head-on and persevere despite the hardships. The phrase emphasizes the need to stay strong and push through tough times, much like the idea of "hanging tough."
While each of these idioms may have originated in different contexts and regions, they all convey a similar message of strength, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Whether it's "hang tough" in the United States, "hang in" in other English-speaking countries, or "do it tough" in Australia and New Zealand, these idioms serve as powerful reminders to stay resilient and determined when facing challenges.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom hang tough can be used in a sentence:
- He was going through a difficult time, but he knew he had to hang tough and not give up.
- The team faced many challenges during the game, but they managed to hang tough and come out with a victory.
- Despite the criticism and doubts, she decided to hang tough and pursue her dream of becoming an actress.
More "Resilience" idioms
