hang up

To end a phone call.

• Please do not hang up.
• He said goodbye and hung up.
• Why did you hang up on me?

How to use it: hang up on someone (He hung up on me before I finished speaking.); hang something up (She hung the phone up.)

Similar words: end the call, ring off

Common phrases: hang up now, hang up on someone, hang something up

To attach something to a hook, line, or other support so it hangs.

• Hang up your coat, please.
• She hung the washing up outside.
• Have you hung up the picture yet?

How to use it: hang something up (Hang your coat up by the door.)

Similar words: hang

Common phrases: hang up something, hang something up, hang up clothes

To delay something or keep it from moving forward.

• Missing paperwork hung up the sale.
• The project was hung up by a legal dispute.
• Our order is still hung up in customs.

How to use it: hang something up (A missing signature hung the payment up.); be hung up in/on something (The proposal is hung up in committee.)

Similar words: delay, hold up, stall

Common phrases: hang up something, hang something up, hang up approval

To stop doing an activity, especially a sport or job you have done for a long time.

• He decided to hang up his boxing gloves.
• She hung up her racing helmet last year.
• After his final match, he will hang up his boots.

How to use it: hang up + equipment (After thirty years, the boxer hung up his gloves.)

Similar words: quit, give up, retire from

Common phrases: hang up something, hang up boots, hang up gloves

To stop speaking or bringing up a subject.

• You have said enough; hang up now.
• He finally hung up after a long speech.
• Will you hang up and let someone else speak?

Similar words: stop talking, fall silent

Common phrases: hang up now, hang up already

To attack or threaten someone and steal their money or belongings.

• The thieves hung him up and stole his purse.
• Armed men hung up travelers on that lonely road.
• They planned to hang up the merchant near the bridge.

How to use it: hang someone up (The thieves hung the traveler up on the road.)

Similar words: rob, mug, hold up

Common phrases: hang up someone, hang someone up