Keep/leave somebody dangling
phrase
To leave someone in an uncertain position or situation, usually while you decide something.
He kept the job applicant dangling for weeks before he finally hired him.
Often appears as...
- keep someone dangling for decision
- leave someone dangling in uncertainty
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To lead someone on, especially romantically, without intending to commit.
She realized he wasn't serious about their relationship, he was just keeping her dangling.
Often appears as...
- keep someone dangling in love
- leave someone dangling in a relationship
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To leave someone in an uncertain position or situation, usually while you decide something.
He kept the job applicant dangling for weeks before he finally hired him.
Often appears as...
- keep someone dangling for decision
- leave someone dangling in uncertainty
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To lead someone on, especially romantically, without intending to commit.
She realized he wasn't serious about their relationship, he was just keeping her dangling.
Often appears as...
- keep someone dangling in love
- leave someone dangling in a relationship
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Decision Delay
Indicates someone is being made to wait for a decision, often causing frustration.
The committee has kept me dangling for months about the grant.
Pro Tip 2/3Uncertainty Stress
Highlights the stress of being unsure about an outcome due to a lack of communication.
They left me dangling, not knowing if I'd be laid off or not.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Used when one person has control over another's situation, often in professional contexts.
The boss keeps everyone dangling until the last minute with yearly bonuses.
Pro Tip 1/3Decision Delay
Indicates someone is being made to wait for a decision, often causing frustration.
The committee has kept me dangling for months about the grant.
Pro Tip 2/3Uncertainty Stress
Highlights the stress of being unsure about an outcome due to a lack of communication.
They left me dangling, not knowing if I'd be laid off or not.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Used when one person has control over another's situation, often in professional contexts.
The boss keeps everyone dangling until the last minute with yearly bonuses.
Pro Tip 1/3Decision Delay
Indicates someone is being made to wait for a decision, often causing frustration.
The committee has kept me dangling for months about the grant.
Pro Tip 2/3Uncertainty Stress
Highlights the stress of being unsure about an outcome due to a lack of communication.
They left me dangling, not knowing if I'd be laid off or not.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Used when one person has control over another's situation, often in professional contexts.
The boss keeps everyone dangling until the last minute with yearly bonuses.
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