Jiaying Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Jiaying…
Rob … and I’m Rob.
Jiaying Oh dear, Rob, it sounds like you have a cold.
Rob Yes, I have. I feel terrible – I don’t know if I could present the rest of this programme.
Jiaying It’s only a cold, Rob, but hang in there. I’m sure you can make it to the end.
Rob Hang in there? Hang where? In the cupboard? Do you think I’m infectious?
Jiaying Probably. But don’t go anywhere – I’m giving you words of encouragement. When we tell someone to ‘hang in there’, we mean that despite the difficulties, they shouldn’t give up. We can also say ‘hang on in there’ as words of encouragement. So, Rob, here’s a tissue – blow your nose and let’s carry on.
Rob Thanks. Now, could I have some examples as well, please?
Jiaying OK then….
Examples There are just a few miles to go, so hang in there and you’ll complete the race.
Studying for your exams is hard, but if you hang in there, they should go smoothly.
Hang in there – the doctors are doing their best and you should make a full recovery.
Jiaying This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. We’re learning about the phrase ‘hang in there’, which we can say to someone to encourage them to carry on despite difficulties. So, Rob, are you able to hang in there for just a little bit longer?
Rob I’m trying my best.
Jiaying Do you need anything to help you get to the end of the programme?
Rob Oh, thanks – a nice hot cup of tea would be lovely, thanks.
Jiaying OK, Rob – as you’re not feeling great. Oh no! Have I caught your cold now?
Rob Hang in there, Jiaying. You’ll be fine.
Jiaying Thanks, for the encouragement.
Rob Now, how about that nice cup of tea?