dangle
/ˈdæŋɡl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdæŋɡl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdaŋ-gəl/ (ame, mw)
dangle — verb
- danglepresent simple I / you / we / they
- dangleshe / she / it
- dangledpast simple
- dangling-ing form
1. when the lower end of something is not supported and swings from side to side in
when the lower end of something is not supported and swings from side to side in the air; or to put something in that position
A set of keys dangled from a hook by the front door.
intransitive: dangle from [sth]
Theo dangled his legs over the edge of the old wooden bridge.
A single light bulb dangled from a long cord in the middle of the room.
Chen dangled the toy mouse above the cat's head to make it jump.
The fishing line dangled in the water as the boat drifted slowly.
- support
to hold something from below so it does not hang
文法句型
dangle from [sth]
dangle [sth] + adverb/preposition
dangle + adverb/preposition
用法筆記
Frequently used with a preposition or adverb showing position (dangle from / over / into / above). The subject can be the thing that hangs (intransitive) or the person holding it (transitive).
常見錯誤
2. to try to get someone to do something by offering them something attractive, oft
to try to get someone to do something by offering them something attractive, often without being certain they will actually receive what is offered
The company dangled a promotion in front of Jin to get him to work longer hours.
dangle [sth] in front of [sb]
Developers dangled the promise of new jobs to win support for the project.
Elena was tempted by the bonus they dangled before her, but she still turned them down.
The university dangled a scholarship in front of top students from around the world.
- deter
to discourage someone from doing something
文法句型
dangle [sth] before/in front of [sb]
用法筆記
The object being offered is usually something desirable (a reward, a chance, a promise). The person being persuaded is introduced by 'before' or 'in front of'. Common in business and recruitment contexts.
常見錯誤
3. in the sport of ice hockey, a player moves the puck with fast and deceptive turn
in the sport of ice hockey, a player moves the puck with fast and deceptive turns to get around a defender
The forward dangled past the defender and scored the winning goal.
dangle past [opponent] — ice hockey usage
Santiago tried to dangle around the goalie but lost control of the puck.
The rookie dangled through three players before passing to a teammate.
文法句型
dangle + adverb/preposition (past, around)
用法筆記
Technical hockey slang. The player who 'dangles' keeps the puck on their stick while making sharp, unexpected turns. Not used outside ice hockey contexts.
4. making a person wait for a decision or important information, often by making un
making a person wait for a decision or important information, often by making unclear promises or not giving a direct reply
The committee dangled the applicants along for months without any decision.
phrasal use: dangle along
Ravi felt his boss was dangling him with vague talk about a possible raise.
Instead of a clear answer, the manager just dangled the opportunity in front of Ananya.
Stop dangling me and tell me whether I got the job or not.
- string along
more common; very similar meaning of keeping someone hopeful with false promises
- hold up
focuses on delaying a decision, without the element of false hope
- tell outright
to give a direct and honest answer
文法句型
dangle [sb] along
dangle [sth] before [sb]
用法筆記
Often used with the particle 'along' (dangle along). The person who is kept waiting is the direct object. This sense is close to 'string along' and appears mainly in informal contexts about jobs, relationships, or decisions.
常見錯誤
dangle — noun
1. the condition of hanging loosely without firm support, so that the lower part ca
the condition of hanging loosely without firm support, so that the lower part can move freely
The loose thread hung with a gentle dangle from the hem of her coat.
uncountable noun: with a dangle
Amara watched the slight dangle of her earrings as she shook her head.
The cat was fascinated by the gentle dangle of the wind chime in the breeze.
- suspension
more formal; scientific or technical
- droop
suggests a downward bend without swinging
用法筆記
Uncountable. Usually appears in descriptions of how something hangs or moves. More common in literary or descriptive writing than in everyday speech.
2. an object that hangs freely from a point of attachment, especially a decorative
an object that hangs freely from a point of attachment, especially a decorative piece such as jewellery
The dancers wore colourful dangles that swung from their ears.
countable: ear dangles
A small silver dangle hung from the rear-view mirror of the old car.
The charm bracelet had several metal dangles that clinked as Grace walked.
用法筆記
Countable. Most often used to describe earrings with a hanging part, or small ornaments that hang from something. In fashion contexts, 'dangle earrings' is a common compound.