1. verb If something hangs in a high place or position, or if you hang it there, it is attached there so it does not touch the ground. Delivered to your inbox! informal (understand) . Ask MetaFilter is a question and answer site that covers nearly any question on earth, where members help each other solve problems. specific task. An example of get the hang of is a beginning knitter who has just created her first scarf without dropping a stitch. An experienced executioner who had mastered the difference and could do either was said to have "gotten the hang of it.". Lists. (VCG Wilson/Corbis via Getty Images), https://www.history.com/news/10-common-sayings-with-historical-origins, 10 Common Sayings With Historical Origins. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples The idiom for this week is to get the hang of something. colloq.) What is the origin of the phrase "getting the hang" of something? Maybe I misread. Writing in 1772, the famed explorer Captain James Cook noted that to run amok is to sally forth from the house, kill the person or persons supposed to have injured the Amock, and any other person that attempts to impede his passage. Once thought to be the result of possession by evil spirits, the phenomenon later found its way into psychiatric manuals. (orig. The humanitarian thing was to let the person's neck break; this caused a quick death. Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), Horatio Nelson. . For example: I know chess can be hard, but Im sure youll get the hang of it eventually. When a person is hung, the moment after the drop where the rope snaps tight either breaks the person's neck or it doesn't. Also, if we use it in the negative, it's very common to use the word "never". it?" If you're learning how to drive a stick shift, for talent. Updated: August 23, 2018 | Original: April 23, 2013. [intransitive, transitive] to bend or let something bend downwards hang adv./prep. to learn how to do something, especially if it is not obvious or simple: 2. to learn how to do Once you get the hang of it, reading a good play can be a delightful and challenging experience. Some convey the idea of getting used to a new situation or getting used to your role in that new situation. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. the precise manner of doing, using, etc., something; knack: to get the hang of a tool. knack. See also: get, hang, of, something Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary Farlex 2017 See also: To save this word, you'll need to log in. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, a straw will show which way the wind blows, (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you, the webmaster's page for free fun content. DePendAble means you are Able to Hang From something Pend- is a Latin root meaning "hang" that gives us words like Like a child learning how to ride a bicycle. be used to it. Get the hang of sth definition: If you get the hang of something such as a skill or activity , you begin to understand or. All posts copyright their original authors. noun the way in which a thing hangs. suggest new. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for get the hang of. to shoot it. For When 'Lowdown Crook' Isn't Specific Enough. I'm starting to get the hang of how this computer works. What did it mean, originally, to "get the hang" of something? HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. Notices painted on sheets hang at every entrance. It became popular in the 1950s, around the same time as go ape, so there may have . When letters make sounds that aren't associated w One goose, two geese. I like to think it comes from the skill of being able to "hang-10" on a surfboard. Learn a new word every day. (LogOut/ Definition of 'get the hang of sth' get the hang of sth phrase If you get the hang of something such as a skill or activity, you begin to understand or realize how to do it. U.S. On a scientific/technical note - most people who die from hanging don't die from either a broken neck or strangulation. informal (learn to do) . Amokderived from the Amuco, a band of Javanese and Malay warriors who were known for their penchant for indiscriminate violencewas initially a source of morbid fascination for Westerners. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Once you get the hang of it, reading a good play can be a delightful and challenging experience. : Public executions by hanging were quite a spectacle in the good old days. It remains a diagnosable mental condition to this day. There was a time-delay between verb To get the hang of is defined as to learn how to do something and to become better or more skilled at something that you may initially not have been very good at. At first you drive all jerky and the car stalls a lot. The dog's tongue was hanging out. Hey, Im think Im actually getting the hang of this new video game! I'm starting to get the hang of how this computer works. Need synonyms for hang of it similar words thesaurus that you can use instead. get the hang of (something) To begin having or acquire a general sense of how to do or use something or how something operates; to become familiar with something. During 1801s Battle of Copenhagen, Nelsons ships were pitted against a large Danish-Norwegian fleet. Before clothes drying machines were invented, wet clothes were as soon as you "get the hang of it", you're used to driving document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ). Hang in the balance. The "public executions by hanging" derivation is ridiculous. getting the hang. Hang fire. My grandmother tried to teach my mom how to knit, but she never got the hang of it. Learn the proper way of doing, using or handling something; acquire the knack of something. pulling the trigger, the flint striking, the gunpowder lighting, Is Brooke shields related to willow shields? There's no claim to be certain that that was what it "originally" meant. when does coordination become the distinctive task of management why? Once you get the hang of it, reading a good play can be a delightful and challenging experience. It doesn't seem to have been originally associated with drapery or any other special use of hang; the connecting notion might be "general bent or tendency." something: I haven't got the hang of how to use the coffee-making machine yet. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! I believe it refers to the process of "hanging" or putting a handle on an axe. slacking rope), Continue Learning about English Language Arts. catch that. Victorious athletes at the ancient Pythian Games received wreaths made of laurel branches, and the Romans later adopted the practice and presented wreaths to generals who won important battles. When a person is hung, the moment after the drop where the rope snaps tight either breaks the person's neck or it doesn't. The humanitarian thing was to let the person's neck break; this caused a quick death. Accessed 1 May. In truth, the saying is most likely derived from the Freemasons, a centuries-old fraternal organization whose members undergo rigorous questioning and examinations before becoming third degree members, or master masons.. But, you had to mentally calculate how far in front to Learn a new word every day. When letters make sounds that aren't associated w One goose, two geese. It took him a long time to get the hang of all the irregular verbs. { idioms }. Hang your hat on (something) Idiom eBooks from UsingEnglish.com. Pretty sure it refers to hanging something (like a framed photo or painting) up so that it is straight. Find out more about the unusual origin stories behind 10 everyday phrases. I know it's a little tricky getting the hang of the machine, but just keep practicing and you'll get it. Instituted in 1715, the Riot Act gave the British government the authority to label any group of more than 12 people a threat to the peace. What is another word for getting the hang of? Now, imagine, say, an animal running obliquely to you. example. I know that English idioms can be hard, but Im sure youll get the hang of using them if you study hard! I'm starting to get the hang of how this computer works. I havent got the hang of how to use the coffee-making machine yet. hang something She hung her head in shame. It I think that came later. These days, angry parents might threaten to read the riot act to their unruly children. antonyms. De- comes from Latin, too. When you get the hang (the proper spot along the wire or hook to seat it), it looks right and is balanced. get it. I'm starting to get the hang of how this computer works. expertise. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, a straw will show which way the wind blows, (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you, the webmaster's page for free fun content. lovebug? aiim, because of the 'hang' of the gun. to be suspended; dangle. Russia threatned to place Nuclear weapons in Cuba, and America was very afraid because we are very close to Cuba. The marquis and his pranksters later compensated Melton for the damages, but their drunken escapade is likely the reason that paint the town red became shorthand for a wild night out. Get a report of the VfL Bochum vs. Borussia Dortmund 2022-23 German Bundesliga football match. After a few months you start getting the hang of the language and expressing yourself quite well. pendulum, pendant and pendulous. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'get the hang of.' Informal. without risk of it letting you down. At first the movie made no sense to me, but after a while I got the hang of it. This expression is used when we want to talk about becoming skillful at something after starting to do it for the first time. likewise, not let you down when you need him. At first you drive all jerky and the car stalls a lot.. and our If you're learning how to drive a stick shift, for example. 10. Public executions by hanging were quite a spectacle in the good old days. I think Thorzdad and hungrysquirrels are close. I dont think Ill ever get the hang of this new computer software. You want It doesn't seem to have been originally associated with drapery or any other special use of hang; the connecting notion might be "general bent or tendency." [VERB preposition/adverb] A light-bulb hanging from the ceiling filled the room with a cold yellow light. definitions. 2023. After a few months you start getting the hang of the language and expressing yourself quite well. Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance master get learn pick up understand know drink (in) find out search (for) hit (on or upon) see study hear discover track (down) run down tumble (to) absorb got carried away. synonyms. If you're doing it right you would have "gotten the hang of it". Only later did the phrase take on a negative connotation, and since the 1800s it has been used for those who are overly satisfied with past triumphs. 18 other terms for got the hang of it- words and phrases with similar meaning. [VERB preposition/adverb] Some historians have since dismissed Nelsons famous quip as merely a battlefield myth, but the phrase turn a blind eye persists to this day. While ostensibly a reward, the creatures were tremendously expensive to feed and house, and caring for one often drove the recipient into financial ruin. To get the hang of (something) "become capable" is from 1834, American English, perhaps originally in reference to a certain tool or feat, but, if so, its origin has been forgotten. Every time I get the hang of an idea it suddenly turns into something different and I turn into a fool! Contexts Acquiring complete knowledge or skill in Present participle for to be aware of the meaning of Verb Acquiring complete knowledge or skill in getting mastering learning grasping picking up acquiring comprehending understanding becoming competent in becoming expert in becoming proficient at The fascinating story behind many people's favori Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! After a few months you start getting the hang of the language and expressing yourself quite well. But get how this works. When we use this expression, we use either the past tense (I got the hang of it), future tense (I will get the hang of it)or present continuous tense (Im getting the hang of it). to acquire complete knowledge, understanding, or skill in, Post more words for get the hang of to Facebook, Share more words for get the hang of on Twitter. I havent got the hang of how to use the coffee-making machine yet. Hence, "Can you shoot I know it's a little tricky getting the hang of the machine, but just keep practicing and you'll get it. To begin having or acquire a general sense of how to do or use something or how something operates; to become familiar with something. Many everyday phrases are nautical in origin taken aback, loose cannon and high and dry all originated at seabut perhaps the most surprising example is the common saying by and large. As far back as the 16th century, the word large was used to mean that a ship was sailing with the wind at its back. I'd guess that often when you're done with something you hang it up, so perhaps it can be derived as completion (being done) of something such as learning a skill. When his more conservative superior officer flagged for him to withdraw, the one-eyed Nelson supposedly brought his telescope to his bad eye and blithely proclaimed, I really do not see the signal. He went on to score a decisive victory. hang Examples from the Corpus get the hang of something I increasingly got the hang of handling Berni. It took me a few minutes to get the hang of things when I put the Legend through an amp. Go Bananas. get the hang of something1. The expression go bananas is slang, and the origin is a bit harder to pin down. Several idioms exist in this area. See also: get, hang, of We cant use the simple present tense with this expression. https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/I+am+getting+the+hang+of+it. https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/I+get+the+hang+of+it. thesaurus. get the knack. When a person is hung, the moment after the drop where the rope snaps tight either breaks the person's neck or it doesn't. The humanitarian thing was to let the person's neck break; this caused a quick death. Therefore, we often say "She never got the hang of it." or "I'll never get the hang of it.". : You may have to direct them to leave space for the names, but they will get the hang of it after a while and they can then finish them up for you. She's getting the hang of driving. But in 18th-century England, the Riot Act was a very real document, and it was often recited aloud to angry mobs. The saying was popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries, when European visitors to Malaysia learned of a peculiar mental affliction that caused otherwise normal tribesmen to go on brutal and seemingly random killing sprees. get accustomed. To get the hang of (something) "become capable" is from 1834, American English, perhaps originally in reference to a certain tool or feat, but, if so, its origin has been forgotten. To top it all off, the mob literally painted a tollgate, the doors of several homes and a swan statue with red paint. It took him a long time to get the hang of all the irregular verbs. The law was later put to the test in 1819 during the infamous Peterloo Massacre, in which a cavalry unit attacked a large group of protestors after they appeared to ignore a reading of the Riot Act. While it typically refers to someone with a strong dedication to a particular set of beliefs, the term diehard originally had a series of much more literal meanings. So, we would say . Could it have to do with rigging? Get a new gun, the hang time may differ. See full dictionary entry for hang Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary. : That fall and winter, Long forbearingly shepherded me through rewrites of the papers he assigned, and incrementally I started to get the hang of it. 11. One theory argues the phrase relates to the various degrees of murder in the criminal code; yet another credits it to Thomas F. Byrnes, a 19th-century New York City policeman who used the pun Third Degree Byrnes when describing his hardnosed questioning style. Meanwhile, the much less desirable by, or full and by, meant the vessel was traveling into the wind. They're perfect to use offline for reference or for use in class! get the hang of something ngha, nh ngha, get the hang of something l g: 1. to learn how to do something, especially if it is not obvious or simple: 2. to learn how to do. Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. It refers to a person trying to learn a new skill or new subject and the moment when all the study and or practice pays off. At first, speaking Japanese was really hard for me, but I got the hang of it after a little while. verb transitive Word forms: hung, hanging, hanged 1. to attach to something above with no support from below; suspend 2. to attach so as to permit free motion at the point of attachment to hang a door on its hinges 3. to put to death by tying a rope about the neck and suddenly suspending the body so as to snap the neck or cause strangulation 4. Languagehat: it was the finality of your tone that made me say "wait a second", that's all, because I thought the subject sounded too-firmly closed there. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. For more information, please see our get the hang of something ( informal) learn or begin to understand how to do, use, etc. For example. The phrase later became even more popular after 1811s Battle of Albuera during the Napoleonic Wars. I never got the hang of playing video games so I hate them. A cigarette hung from her lips. The phrase paint the town red most likely owes its origin to one legendary night of drunkenness. Thus, for mariners, by and large referred to trawling the seas in any and all directions relative to the wind. However, for a better show, if the neck didn't break, the . So, we would say Im not getting the hang of this. Note that we use the word this instead of it because its happening at that moment. become proficient in acquire the skill of acquire the technique of catch on to learn the art of get going get into your stride get up to speed acquire become skilled at get become competent in know inside out get down pat learn the ropes gain familiarize oneself with get clued up about familiarize yourself with hit the books acquire skill in more Its so confusing! Languagehat, I know that this your bailiwick, but the OED's oldest cite there is 1845, and it seems far from confident, since that use is clearly one that was written long after the writer expected the idiom to be understood. I know it's a little tricky getting the hang of the machine, but just keep practicing and you'll get it. Don't worry, in a few days you'll get the hang of it. Posted by James Briggs on September 24, 2003, In Reply to: "Get the hang of it" posted by Dan on September 24, 2003. : I checked the archives, but previous explanations of this phrase don't agree with me. See, I like the usages I cited where "hang" is clearly a. I always thought it was an archaic usage of "hang" as suggested by dhartung's last search result, meaning balance and related to using a tool. The Sun (2010) And incredibly, it doesn't take long to get the hang of it. 2023. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. get the hang of [sth] v expr. Accessed 1 May. One moose, two moose. get the hang of (something) To begin having or acquire a general sense of how to do or use something or how something operates; to become familiar with something. Extra Examples kill somebody ( hanged, hanged) One explanation I've heard - and I can't confirm it's true, but it makes sense and is interesting in any case - is here: I don't know specifically, but I would guess it originates in some trade where you would literally hang somethinglike wallpaper. I sensed that this one might be more slippery than some, that's all. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. "getting the hang of it" means getting used to performing a specific task. get the hang of something ( informal) learn or begin to understand how to do, use, etc. It's a process that has to be done right, and was done quite often in the mid-1800s when the idiom started to appear in the United States. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. 12. What is wrong with reporter Susan Raff's arm on WFSB news. Noun. If you have a question about idioms, ask us about it in our Idioms Discussion Forum. For example. Modern English speakers use the phrase crocodile tears to describe a display of superficial or false sorrow, but the saying actually derives from a medieval belief that crocodiles shed tears of sadness while they killed and consumed their prey. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. get the hang of doing [sth] v expr. it means that to catch a criminal (and presumably have him Did Billy Graham speak to Marilyn Monroe about Jesus? What is the origin of Getting the hang of it? But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! : Public executions by hanging were quite a spectacle in the good old days. In 1837, the Marquis of Waterforda known lush and mischief makerled a group of friends on a night of drinking through the English town of Melton Mowbray. Venerable Greeks and Romans, or laureates, were thus able to rest on their laurels by basking in the glory of past achievements. One moose, two moose. skill. An acquired or natural skill at doing something. She pedals down the street with her father running behind steadying the bike. Still yet another theory suggests the phrase was actually born out of the brothels of the American West, and referred to men behaving as though their whole town were a red-light district. T Tabac Senior Member The Sun (2015) It is pretty easy to get the hang of. All Rights Reserved. Tm hiu thm. To begin having or acquire a general sense of how to do or use something or how something operates; to become familiar with something. The idea of resting on your laurels dates back to leaders and athletic stars of ancient Greece. READ ALONG TO PRACTICE YOUR ENGLISH AND TO LEARN THE MEANING OF GET THE HANG OF IT: So when you first start doing something you're not very good at it, but i. Like "learning the ropes"? We strive for accuracy and fairness. Times, Sunday Times (2010) You'll get the hang of it with no pressure to perform. Thus, I think most of the hung individuals would have died very quickly and the need to 'get the hang of it' would have been minimal.

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