hang upon

To depend on something that will decide what happens.

• Everything hangs upon your answer.
• Their success hung upon one final vote.
• Does the agreement hang upon his approval?

How to use it: hang upon something (Our future hangs upon this decision.); hang upon whether… (The trip hangs upon whether we get permission.)

Similar words: depend on, hinge on

Common phrases: hang upon something, hang upon approval

To give someone or their words your complete attention because you are very interested or want to please them.

• They hung upon his every word.
• The audience hangs upon the speaker’s words.
• She hung upon his lips as he described the journey.

How to use it: hang upon someone’s every word (The children hung upon her every word.)

Similar words: listen intently, attend to

Common phrases: hang upon words, hang upon someone

To love someone deeply and give them constant attention.

• She hung upon him with deep affection.
• He hung upon his beloved and dreaded their separation.
• The young lover hangs upon her as if nobody else exists.

Similar words: adore, dote on

Common phrases: hang upon someone, hang upon him

To stay close to someone or something, often longer than is welcome.

• The visitors hung upon the doorway.
• He hung upon us all afternoon, hoping for an invitation.
• Her followers hang upon her wherever she goes.

Similar words: hover around, linger near

Common phrases: hang upon someone, hang upon something