A peg to hang something on
phrase
A reason or an excuse for doing something.
John used his poor health as a peg to hang his early retirement on.
Often appears as...
- hang one's decision on a peg
- give someone a peg to hang on
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A basis for a theory or a story.
The rumor about her resignation was the peg I hung my article on.
Often appears as...
- hang one's theory on a peg
- hang one's arguments on a peg
Usage tips
Idiomatic,Literary
phrase
A reason or an excuse for doing something.
John used his poor health as a peg to hang his early retirement on.
Often appears as...
- hang one's decision on a peg
- give someone a peg to hang on
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A basis for a theory or a story.
The rumor about her resignation was the peg I hung my article on.
Often appears as...
- hang one's theory on a peg
- hang one's arguments on a peg
Usage tips
Idiomatic,Literary
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Justifying Actions
Use it when providing a seemingly reasonable explanation for your actions.
He claimed fatigue as a peg to hang his lack of participation on.
Pro Tip 2/3Masking True Motives
It might conceal the real reasons behind someone's actions.
She needed a peg to hang her refusal on, so she blamed her busy schedule.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoiding Criticism
It's often used to avoid responsibility or criticism by offering an excuse.
Mark used his injury as a peg to hang his poor performance on.
Pro Tip 1/3Justifying Actions
Use it when providing a seemingly reasonable explanation for your actions.
He claimed fatigue as a peg to hang his lack of participation on.
Pro Tip 2/3Masking True Motives
It might conceal the real reasons behind someone's actions.
She needed a peg to hang her refusal on, so she blamed her busy schedule.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoiding Criticism
It's often used to avoid responsibility or criticism by offering an excuse.
Mark used his injury as a peg to hang his poor performance on.
Pro Tip 1/3Justifying Actions
Use it when providing a seemingly reasonable explanation for your actions.
He claimed fatigue as a peg to hang his lack of participation on.
Pro Tip 2/3Masking True Motives
It might conceal the real reasons behind someone's actions.
She needed a peg to hang her refusal on, so she blamed her busy schedule.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoiding Criticism
It's often used to avoid responsibility or criticism by offering an excuse.
Mark used his injury as a peg to hang his poor performance on.
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