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dangle

[ˈdaŋɡ(ə)l]

dangle Definition

  • 1hang or swing loosely
  • 2offer (something) as an incentive or enticement

Using dangle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dangle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The keys were still dangling from the ignition.

  • Example

    She dangled her feet in the water.

  • Example

    He dangled the prospect of a promotion in front of me.

  • Example

    The company dangled a signing bonus to attract new employees.

dangle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for dangle

Antonyms for dangle

Phrases with dangle

  • offer something desirable to someone as an enticement or incentive

    Example

    The boss dangled a carrot in front of the employees, promising a bonus if they met their sales targets.

  • be in a precarious or uncertain position

    Example

    The company's future was dangling by a thread after the CEO resigned.

  • dangle in front of someone's nose

    offer something desirable to someone as an enticement or incentive

    Example

    The company dangled a big salary increase in front of the employee's nose to keep him from quitting.

Origins of dangle

from Middle English 'danglen', meaning 'to cause to dangle'

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Summary: dangle in Brief

The verb 'dangle' [ˈdaŋɡ(ə)l] means to hang or swing loosely, as in 'The keys were still dangling from the ignition.' It can also mean to offer something as an incentive or enticement, as in 'He dangled the prospect of a promotion in front of me.' The phrase 'dangle a carrot' means to offer something desirable as an incentive, while 'dangle by a thread' means to be in a precarious position.

How do native speakers use this expression?