Pronunciation: [hˈaŋz fˈa͡ɪ͡ə] (IPA) 
The phrase "hangs fire" means to delay or wait to take action. It is spelled with the letter "g" and not "c" despite the sound it makes. This is because the word originated from firearms. The gunpowder in the gun would sometimes fail to ignite, leading to a delay in the shot. This delay was referred to as "hanging fire." The phonetic transcription for "hangs fire" is /hæŋz faɪr/.
"Hangs fire" is an idiomatic expression that originates from the world of firearms. In a literal sense, it refers to the delay or failure of a weapon to discharge immediately upon pulling the trigger. This phenomenon occurs when the gunpowder in the cartridge fails to ignite, resulting in a temporary state of suspense before the bullet is finally fired.
Figuratively, "hangs fire" is used to describe a situation where there is a delay or a pause in progress, anticipation, or completion of a specific action or event. It implies a state of uncertainty or hesitancy, similar to the momentary uncertainty experienced when a firearm fails to fire immediately.
When something "hangs fire," it suggests a temporary halt or delay in the execution of an intended plan, decision, or expectation. It denotes a situation where circumstances or factors beyond one's control interfere with progress or cause a postponement. This delay may be due to unforeseen circumstances, unresolved issues, or a lack of necessary resources.
The phrase "hangs fire" can also be used to describe a state of indecisiveness or hesitation, in which someone refrains from taking immediate action or making a decisive move. It conveys a sense of being stuck or not able to move forward until certain conditions or unknowns are resolved.
Overall, "hangs fire" signifies a temporary delay or pause, often accompanied by uncertainty or hesitancy, before the resumption or completion of an action, decision, or event.
The phrase "hangs fire" originates from the early use of firearms, specifically flintlock muskets. In these firearms, there was a slight delay between pulling the trigger and the weapon actually firing due to the ignition mechanism. The flintlock firing mechanism involved a flint striking against a steel plate, which generated sparks to ignite the gunpowder.
Sometimes, the sparks failed to ignite the gunpowder immediately, resulting in a delay or "hang" before the shot was fired. This delay often occurred when the gunpowder was damp or the flintlock was old or poorly maintained. When this happened, the firearm was said to "hang fire".
Over time, the term "hang fire" expanded beyond its literal meaning and began to be used metaphorically to describe any situation or event that experienced an unexpected delay or hesitation.
