hang on (one's) words

hang on (one's) words

To listen very closely, intently, or with obsequious attention to what one is saying. The politician was so charismatic that he had even his detractors hanging on his words. She had the whole audience hanging on her words by the end of her presentation. I hung on Amanda's words, completely enraptured by her passion for the subject.

See also: hang, on, word

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

hang on someone's words

Listen very attentively to someone. For example, You don't need to hang on his words-just remember the gist of it. It is also put as hang on to every word, as in Whenever Mother read their favorite book to them, the children hung on to every word.

See also: hang, on, word

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

hang on somebody’s ˈwords/every ˈword

listen to what somebody says with great attention: The professor was talking to a group of students, who hung on her every word.

See also: every, hang, on, word

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017