HANGING UPON Meaning and
Definition
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"Hanging upon" is a idiomatic expression that suggests a sense of dependency or reliance on someone or something. It refers to a situation where one's actions, decisions, or well-being heavily depend on the approval, support, or assistance of another individual or entity. This phrase often connotes a sense of vulnerability, as the person "hanging upon" may feel uncertain or anxious about the outcome if they do not have the expected or desired support.
This phrase can be used to describe a variety of situations. For example, in a professional context, an employee may heavily rely on the guidance and direction of their supervisor, often seeking approval or feedback to proceed with their work. Similarly, in a personal relationship, one partner may "hang upon" the other for emotional support or validation.
Furthermore, "hanging upon" can refer to being dependent on a specific outcome or event. In this context, it suggests that someone's plans, hope, or success are contingent on a particular situation or circumstance. For instance, a student may "hang upon" the results of an important exam to determine their academic future.
Overall, "hanging upon" encapsulates the notion of a strong reliance on something or someone, emphasizing the feeling of neediness and vulnerability that stems from this dependence.
Common Misspellings for HANGING UPON
- hangingup on
- ganging upon
- banging upon
- nanging upon
- janging upon
- uanging upon
- yanging upon
- hznging upon
- hsnging upon
- hwnging upon
- hqnging upon
- habging upon
- hamging upon
- hajging upon
- hahging upon
- hanfing upon
- hanving upon
- hanbing upon
- hanhing upon
- hanying upon
Etymology of HANGING UPON
The word "hanging upon" is a combination of two separate words: "hanging" and "upon".
The term "hanging" comes from the Old English word "hangian", which referred to the act of suspending or attaching something in a way that it is supported from above or held in position from a higher point. It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "hangōną". Over time, the meaning of "hanging" expanded to include other contexts, such as execution by suspension, decorations that are suspended, or an uncertain or undecided situation.
The word "upon" is derived from the Old English word "uppan", which means "on" or "on top of". It is related to the Proto-Germanic word "uban" and shares similar origins with the Latin word "super", meaning "above" or "over".
