dangle
Translation
to hang, to swing, to offer temptingly
Examples
His legs dangled over the side of the wall.
His legs dangled over the side of the wall.
She dangled the keys in front of the baby.
She dangled the keys in front of the baby.
He dangled the prospect of a promotion before me.
He dangled the prospect of a promotion before me.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to hang or swing loosely His legs dangled over the side of the wall.
((sth.)) ((in front of sb./sth.)) to hold (sth.) so that it hangs down She dangled the keys in front of the baby.
((sth.)) ((before sb.)) to offer (sth.) as a temptation He dangled the prospect of a promotion before me.
Similar Words
Etymology
Possibly from a Scandinavian source, related to Danish 'dingle' (to swing). The sound itself is evocative of something swinging.
Memory Tips
Picture a 'dangly' earring. The word sounds like what it describes.