hang together
B2 neutral intransitive
In simple words
To make sense as a whole, or to stay as a united group.
Literal meaning: To hang (stay suspended) together (as a unit, without falling apart).
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
Of an argument, story, or plan: to be logically coherent and consistent.
"The film is entertaining, but the plot doesn't really hang together by the end."
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
Of people: to remain united or to work together as a group.
"If we hang together through this difficult period, we'll come out stronger."
""We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.""
— Benjamin Franklin (attributed), remark at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 1776
Usage notes
Used in two main ways: (1) describing a plan, argument, or story being coherent and logical, and (2) describing people remaining unified. The first sense is more common. Often used in critical discussion of texts, plans, or arguments.
Commonly used with
argument story plan case team narrative
Forms
Base
hang together
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hangs together
he/she/it
Past simple
hung together
yesterday
Past participle
hung together
have + pp
-ing form
hanging together
continuous
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Synonyms
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