Phrasal verb
hang up
To hang up means to end a phone call by putting the phone down.
Meanings
to end a phone call
to put something on a hook or hanger so it is off the floor and stored neatly
to delay doing something because you are not ready to decide or act
Definition
When you hang up, you stop talking on the phone and end the call. People often hang up after saying goodbye, or sometimes suddenly if they are upset. It can be done by pressing a button on a mobile phone or placing a handset back on its base.
Examples
- I had to hang up because my train went into a tunnel.
- Can you hang up and call me back in five minutes?
- He got angry and hung up before I could explain.
- She hung up her coat as soon as she came in.
- They decided to hang up and think about the offer overnight.
Common mistake
Learners often say "hang off" or forget the particle and say "hang" when they mean to end a phone call; use "hang up" instead.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.