hang back
[verb]
Synonyms: hesitate, be reluctant, demur, hold back, recoil

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

hang back phrasal verb (see also hang)

1. to stay a short distance away from someone or something, and not go too near them:
Instinctively he hung back in the shelter of a rock.

2. to not say or do something because you are shy or afraid

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

hang back
to wait before doing something.
We opened our office at a time when other businesses hung back because of bad economic conditions.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

hang back
stay some distance behind or away, hesitate or be unwilling to do something
He lacks self-confidence and always hangs back when his boss asks for volunteers.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

hang back
1. To stay some distance behind or away, be unwilling to move forward.
Mary offered the little girl candy, but she was shy and hung back.
2. To hesitate or be unwilling to do something.
Lou wanted Fred to join the club, but Fred hung off.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲