Hang on meaning in English

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Definition

Hang on (a second): Wait (a second) idiom
Hang on a minute, I'm nearly ready.
Hang on, I think I have a better idea.

Examples

  • "Garth : Hang on, Eddie."
  • "Hang on a second, Philip's in my office again."
  • "Hannah : Kalvin Krime? Hang on."
  • "Bruno : Hang on Quincy, that's a bit strong."
  • "Hang on, here comes the breakdown."
  • "Hang on, there's something happening here..."
  • "Bruno : Hang on a second Quincy, let's not be too hasty."
  • "Luna : Hang on!"
  • "Hang on, I'm on the air right now."
  • "Bruno : Ok ok, hang on a second."
  • "Hannah : Hang on a minute Philip."
  • "Wait... hang on!"
  • "Philip : Hang on, I've got to write this down."
  • "( phone rings ) Oh, hang on Bruno."
  • "Bruno : Hang on a second, I've got to take this call."
Exercise 1
Polly tells Jean that 'Conklin (Avenue) doesn't ring a bell'.

What does she mean by this?
Polly tells Jean that 'Conklin (Avenue) doesn't ring a bell'.

What does she mean by this?
We shouldn't interpret Polly's expression literally! She is not saying that 'there are no bells on Conklin', but rather that she is unfamiliar with this particular street.
This is the correct choice. The English idiom 'that doesn't ring a bell' means 'that doesn't sound familiar', or 'I haven't heard of that'. Here, Polly is expressing that Conklin Avenue is 'unfamiliar to her' or that she has never heard of the street.
Although Jean does seem concerned by his current surroundings, this is not what Polly is expressing when she says 'that doesn't ring a bell'.
This is not what Polly is expressing when she says 'that doesn't ring a bell'.
Polly is not expressing that she is having problems with her phone. Although a phone 'rings' like a bell, Polly is using an idiom which is unrelated to telephones or 'ringing'.

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