let them hang

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let them hang" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to suggest allowing something or someone to remain unresolved or in a state of uncertainty. Example: "If they don't respond to the offer, we might just have to let them hang for a while."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Let them hang together".

The New Yorker

We could sit back and let them hang with it.

The Washington Post

Cunningham had liked the lights, and had let them hang year-round.

The New Yorker

And we let them hang around until they caught a little bit of fire".

The New York Times - Sports

It makes sense – you can't let them hang around the stage door smoking.

The Guardian

Sometimes you've got to just let them hang, to make a point.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was about the fringes and letting them hang like scarves.

The New York Times - Style

Turn that weakness into a strength by letting them hang over low walls, Mr. Thomas advises.

The New York Times - Style

Place 1/4 of the sprouts on top, letting them hang over the sides of the rice by 1/2 inch.

The New York Times - Magazine

Evan just started work in the coffee shop, and at first tries to get K J and Jasper to clear off, afraid he'll get in trouble for letting them hang out in the back.

The New York Times

The trick to grinding poppy seeds for desserts is to do so just enough to break them open, releasing their oils, while letting them hang on to traces of their crisp contours.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let them hang" when you want to convey a sense of allowing someone to remain in an uncertain or precarious situation, either as a deliberate strategy or due to inaction.

Common error

Avoid using "let them hang" if your intention is simply to offer support or assistance. The phrase often carries a negative connotation of indifference or even malicious intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let them hang" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to express the decision to allow someone or something to remain in a state of uncertainty or face the consequences of their actions. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let them hang" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to describe the act of allowing someone or something to remain in a state of uncertainty or face consequences without intervention. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it can carry negative connotations, it often serves a neutral communicative purpose, particularly in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the intended message and audience to ensure the conveyed sentiment aligns with the desired outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave them dangling

Replaces "hang" with "dangling", emphasizing a state of unresolved suspension or uncertainty.

leave them in suspense

Focuses on the feeling of uncertainty and anticipation experienced by the subject.

allow them to remain undecided

Highlights the lack of decision or resolution regarding their situation.

permit them to face the consequences

Shifts the focus to allowing individuals to experience the results of their actions.

let them stew

Implies leaving someone to worry or fret over a situation.

give them enough rope

Suggests allowing someone freedom to act, potentially leading to their own downfall.

leave them twisting in the wind

Emphasizes abandonment and vulnerability in a difficult situation.

let them sweat it out

Focuses on the anxiety and discomfort experienced while waiting for a resolution.

allow them to figure it out themselves

Stresses the importance of self-reliance and problem-solving.

refrain from intervening

Highlights the decision to not get involved, allowing events to unfold naturally.

FAQs

How can I use "let them hang" in a sentence?

You can use "let them hang" to suggest allowing something or someone to remain unresolved or in a state of uncertainty. For example: "If they don't respond to the offer, we might just have to let them hang for a while."

What's a more neutral alternative to "let them hang"?

If you want a more neutral alternative, consider using phrases like "leave them in suspense" or "allow them to dangle".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "let them hang"?

It's appropriate when you want to express a deliberate decision to allow someone to experience the consequences of their actions or remain in a state of uncertainty, often to teach a lesson or achieve a specific outcome.

What are some common misunderstandings about the phrase "let them hang"?

A common misunderstanding is assuming it's always negative. While it often carries a negative connotation, it can also be used in a neutral context to simply describe a situation where intervention is deliberately withheld.