The phrase "hangs it up" means to retire or quit something, such as a job or hobby. The spelling of the word "hangs" is [hæŋz] in IPA phonetic transcription. The "ng" sound is created by the combination of the letters "n" and "g" and is pronounced as one sound. The "s" at the end of the word is voiced, meaning that the vocal cords vibrate during its pronunciation. Overall, the spelling accurately represents the sound of the word when spoken aloud.
"Hangs it up" is a colloquial expression that originated from the world of sports, particularly team sports such as basketball or football. It refers to the act of an athlete retiring or quitting their professional career, often announced publicly, stating they are no longer going to play competitively. This idiom is mainly used to describe a player's decision to end their sporting journey permanently.
Metaphorically, "hangs it up" can be applied beyond sports to depict someone ending or abandoning a particular profession, job, or even a long-term commitment. It implies that the person has reached a point where they decide to cease their involvement or participation in a specific activity or occupation.
The phrase may also carry a connotation of finality or closure, suggesting that the individual has made a definitive decision and has no intention of returning to their previous role or endeavor. It could indicate a culmination of efforts, acknowledging that the person has achieved their goals or feels that they can no longer continue due to various factors such as physical limitations, personal matters, or a desire for change.
Overall, "hangs it up" serves as a common expression to describe the act of retiring or quitting, and it can be used in various contexts to represent the voluntary cessation of an activity or profession.