hung back
Lingered with reluctance
Hung back is the past tense of hang back, meaning to hesitate or remain behind when others move forward.
It suggests reluctance or caution: The rest of the group entered, but she hung back near the door.
Someone who hung back may have been shy, uncertain, or deliberately staying out of the action.
- stayedContinued being present
- remainedStayed in place
- stayed putContinued in place
- hesitatedPaused from uncertainty
- shied awayWithdrew from apprehensively
lingered · held off · delayed · demurred · withheld · deferred · retreated · refrained · reluctance · timidity · cold feet · lost nerve · faltered · abstained · loitered · stalled · paused · second thoughts
hung backadvanced
Far along in development
forged ahead · moved forward · closed in · proceeded · approached
hung backjumped in
Entered abruptly, often uninvited
stepped up · took the lead · joined in · took charge · volunteered
hung backstood up
Failed to appear
spoke up · took the lead · took charge · asserted oneself · volunteered
hung, back, hang, hangs, hanging, hanger, hangers, hangings, overhang