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general::
Phrase(s): hang by something
1. to be suspended at the end of something, such as a rope, chain, string, etc. • The bag is only hanging by a string. • The food hung by a rope from a tree to protect it from the bears that wandered into camp now and then. 2. to dangle, suspended by some body part, such as thumbs, legs, etc. • I was hanging by my legs on the exercise bar when the rain started. • I can hang by just my middle fingers!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs