HANGS OVER Meaning and
Definition
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"Hangs over" is a phrasal verb that is commonly used to describe a situation where something, often negative or unpleasant, is impending or lingering and causing a sense of worry, anxiety, or potential threat. It typically refers to an ominous feeling or image, as if a metaphorical cloud or shadow is figuratively hanging above a person, place, or situation.
When something "hangs over" someone or something, it suggests a persistent state of concern or apprehension that can affect a person's mindset, actions, or the atmosphere of a place. It implies a constant reminder or presence of something undesirable that impairs one's ability to fully enjoy or focus on the present moment.
For example, one might say that a student has an important exam hanging over them, signifying the pressure and stress associated with the upcoming assessment. Similarly, a dark secret might hang over a person, indicating that the secret continues to burden and cast a sense of unease or guilt upon them.
Overall, "hangs over" conveys the idea that something unpleasant or uncertain looms in the background, creating a sense of impending doom or discomfort. Its figurative usage emphasizes the psychological impact of the situation and its ongoing influence on individuals or surroundings.
Common Misspellings for HANGS OVER
- hangeover
- hangover
- hanges over
- gangs over
- bangs over
- nangs over
- jangs over
- uangs over
- yangs over
- hzngs over
- hsngs over
- hwngs over
- hqngs over
- habgs over
- hamgs over
- hajgs over
- hahgs over
- hanvs over
- hanbs over
- hanhs over
Etymology of HANGS OVER
The phrase "hangs over" does not have a specific etymology on its own, as it is formed by combining two separate words: "hangs" and "over".
The word "hangs" is derived from the Old English verb "hangian", which has roots in the Germanic languages. It has remained relatively unchanged in its basic meaning of suspending something from above.
The word "over", on the other hand, comes from Middle English and has its origins in Old English. It is derived from the word "ofer", which shares roots with other Germanic languages. "Over" is used to indicate or describe something situated above or covering another entity.
When combined, the phrase "hangs over" is used to express the idea of something being suspended above or looming in a certain position or direction, often symbolizing a potential threat, influence, or dominance.
Idioms with the word HANGS OVER
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a sword of Damocles hangs over head
The idiom "a sword of Damocles hangs over head" refers to a constant threat or impending danger that creates a feeling of imminent peril or anxiety. It originated from a Greek legend about Damocles, who had a sword hung by a single hair above his head, symbolizing the constant fear of impending doom.
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a question mark hangs over somebody/something
The idiom "a question mark hangs over somebody/something" means that there is uncertainty or doubt about someone or something. It suggests that there are unanswered questions or unresolved issues that create a sense of unknown or ambiguity.
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a cloud hangs over somebody/something
The idiom "a cloud hangs over somebody/something" typically means that there is a feeling of impending trouble or gloominess associated with a person or situation. It implies a sense of uncertainty or anxiety that dampens the mood or atmosphere.
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a sword of Damocles hangs over sb's head
The idiom "a sword of Damocles hangs over someone's head" refers to a situation where a person is constantly in fear or danger of something bad happening to them. It originates from the ancient Greek story of Damocles, who was a courtier of a king. The king allowed Damocles to sit on his throne for a day to experience the luxuries of being a ruler, but above Damocles' head, a sword was suspended by a single strand of horsehair. This precarious situation symbolizes the constant state of apprehension or impending doom that an individual may be in.
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a sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) head
The idiom "a sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) head" refers to a precarious or imminent danger or threat that one feels constantly vulnerable to. It alludes to Damocles, a character from Greek mythology, who was seated under a sword suspended by a single hair, symbolizing the constant fear and insecurity of impending disaster.
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the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone's head
The idiom "the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone's head" refers to a constant sense of impending danger or threat that someone is facing. It symbolizes a situation where someone feels as if they are on the verge of a disastrous or unfortunate outcome, causing anxiety and unease. The term originates from the legend of Damocles, who, in the tale, sat at a banquet with a sword suspended by a single hair above him, symbolizing the constant peril he was in.
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the sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) (head)
The idiom "the sword of Damocles hangs over (one's) (head)" refers to a constant looming threat or imminent danger that one is aware of but cannot avoid. It alludes to the story of Damocles, who was forced to sit under a sword suspended by a single hair, symbolizing the imminent risk he faced. Thus, the expression implies a sense of impending peril or the feeling that any moment could bring severe consequences or catastrophe.
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the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone
The idiom "the Sword of Damocles hangs over someone" refers to a situation or threat that is constantly looming or imminent, causing a sense of impending danger or doom. It conveys the idea of living under a constant state of apprehension or vulnerability.
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