Are these two the same when used to express "keep it up" or "survive a little longer"? Also, I often hear people say "hang in there", but I rarely hear people say "hang on there".
Learn English – “Hang in” vs. “hang on”
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Best Answer
"Hang in" means to endure. It's often an exhortation, as in "Hang in there, you'll be alright", but it can be descriptive as well: "Muhammed Ali was winning, but Norton was hanging in there."
"Hang on" can also be an exhortation to endure, but it can also mean, "please wait": "Hang on for a moment while I check". If said forcefully it's a command to slow down or stop. "Now hang on there! That's not what you're supposed to do!"