Finding the right words to show care and encouragement can make all the difference when someone is facing life’s challenges. The phrase “hanging in there” is often used to show support, empathy, and solidarity, but it can feel a bit overused or even impersonal at times. That’s why having a list of alternative expressions can help you sound more genuine, thoughtful, and supportive in both casual and professional conversations.
Below, you’ll find 30 fresh and meaningful ways to say “hanging in there,” along with examples, tone, and best-use scenarios so you can choose the one that feels right for your situation.
What Does “Hanging in There” Mean?
The phrase “hanging in there” usually means someone is enduring a tough time with resilience and persistence, even if things aren’t easy.
It often acknowledges struggles, stress, or adversity while showing that the person is still managing and coping.
When to Use “Hanging in There”?
Use this phrase when you want to check in with someone or acknowledge that life might be difficult for them. It fits in casual conversations, quick text replies, or supportive workplace check-ins.
However, knowing alternative expressions helps you adjust based on context, tone, and relationship.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Hanging in There”?
Yes—but carefully. While the phrase works in a casual, friendly environment, it may feel too informal in formal or polished workplace contexts.
Alternatives like “managing through” or “navigating challenges” may sound more professional and respectful when communicating with a colleague, supervisor, or client.
Pros or Cons of Saying “Hanging in There”
Pros:
- Casual, friendly, and supportive
- Easy to understand in everyday conversations
- Recognizes someone’s effort and resilience
Cons:
- Can feel generic or repetitive
- Lacks depth or personalization
- May sound too casual in professional or sensitive contexts
1. Staying Strong
Meaning: Holding onto inner strength and determination despite hardships.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests a person is maintaining resilience and perseverance through difficult situations.
Scenario Examples:
- “I know things are rough, but you’re really staying strong.”
- “Thanks for staying strong through the project delays.”
Best Use: When you want to emphasize resilience.
Worst Use: When someone feels exhausted or weak—it can sound like pressure instead of support.
Tone: Supportive, encouraging, motivating.
2. Keeping Your Head Above Water
Meaning: Managing to survive and cope with challenges without sinking.
Detailed Explanation: Commonly used when someone is overwhelmed with work, stress, or responsibilities but still getting by.
Scenario Examples:
- “Sounds like you’ve been busy, but I’m glad you’re keeping your head above water.”
- “Deadlines can pile up, but you’re clearly keeping your head above water.”
Best Use: Good for workplace stress or when someone feels overwhelmed.
Worst Use: In serious personal struggles (illness, grief) where the phrase may feel too casual.
Tone: Empathetic, understanding, conversational.
3. Making It Through
Meaning: Progressing through tough times step by step.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on the journey of resilience rather than the struggle itself.
Scenario Examples:
- “One day at a time—you’re making it through.”
- “Even with the workload, you’re making it through really well.”
Best Use: Ideal when someone needs hope and reassurance.
Worst Use: When talking about long-term struggles—it might minimize the bigger picture.
Tone: Compassionate, uplifting.
4. Holding It Together
Meaning: Remaining composed and stable, even in stressful circumstances.
Detailed Explanation: Reflects both emotional endurance and mental resilience.
Scenario Examples:
- “It’s been tough, but you’re holding it together beautifully.”
- “I admire the way you’re holding it together despite the challenges.”
Best Use: When acknowledging composure under pressure.
Worst Use: When someone is actually falling apart—it can sound dismissive.
Tone: Respectful, supportive.
5. Powering Through
Meaning: Showing determination by pushing forward despite exhaustion or obstacles.
Detailed Explanation: Reflects drive, persistence, and resilience in achieving goals.
Scenario Examples:
- “You’ve been working so hard, thanks for powering through.”
- “She’s powering through a tough semester.”
Best Use: When recognizing effort and commitment.
Worst Use: If the person is burnt out—it can encourage overworking.
Tone: Motivating, appreciative.
6. Weathering the Storm
Meaning: Enduring tough, temporary hardships until better days come.
Detailed Explanation: A metaphor suggesting resilience during crisis or uncertainty.
Scenario Examples:
- “We’re all weathering the storm together.”
- “He’s weathering the storm after layoffs.”
Best Use: When challenges are serious but temporary.
Worst Use: For long-term struggles (like chronic illness)—it may downplay severity.
Tone: Empathetic, collective, hopeful.
7. Surviving the Day
Meaning: Getting through daily struggles, often with humor or humility.
Detailed Explanation: A lighthearted alternative when someone is facing a stressful or draining period.
Scenario Examples:
- “How’s work?” “Just surviving the day!”
- “Parenting can feel like just surviving the day sometimes.”
Best Use: Casual conversations with friends or colleagues.
Worst Use: In serious emotional struggles—it can feel too flippant.
Tone: Humorous, empathetic, informal.
8. Staying Afloat
Meaning: Managing, coping, and not sinking under pressure.
Detailed Explanation: Often tied to financial, emotional, or work-related stress.
Scenario Examples:
- “It’s been hectic, but I’m still staying afloat.”
- “They’re staying afloat despite the economic downturn.”
Best Use: Good for professional and personal contexts.
Worst Use: In moments of deep grief or trauma, where it feels detached.
Tone: Neutral, realistic, supportive.
9. On the Upswing
Meaning: Moving toward improvement and better days.
Detailed Explanation: Shows hope and optimism after a rough patch.
Scenario Examples:
- “Things are tough, but I think I’m on the upswing.”
- “Her recovery is on the upswing.”
Best Use: Best when progress or recovery is visible.
Worst Use: Too early in a struggle—could feel like false optimism.
Tone: Optimistic, positive.
10. Doing My Best
Meaning: Putting in effort and perseverance despite obstacles.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights commitment and persistence, even if results aren’t perfect.
Scenario Examples:
- “How are you holding up?” “I’m just doing my best.”
- “She’s doing her best balancing work and family.”
Best Use: Neutral, humble, self-reflective moments.
Worst Use: In formal professional updates—may sound too casual or self-effacing.
Tone: Genuine, modest.
11. Finding My Way
Meaning: Actively navigating challenges and working toward stability.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests a process of self-discovery, adaptation, and resilience while moving forward through uncertainty.
Scenario Examples:
- “It’s been an adjustment, but I’m finding my way.”
- “She’s finding her way after starting a new job.”
Best Use: When describing personal growth or transition periods.
Worst Use: In situations of severe crisis—may feel too light or vague.
Tone: Hopeful, reflective, adaptive.
12. Toughing It Out
Meaning: Enduring hardship with determination and grit.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests someone is persisting through adversity even when things are uncomfortable.
Scenario Examples:
- “I know you’re toughing it out, and I admire your strength.”
- “We’re just toughing it out until the project is finished.”
Best Use: For short-term challenges or gritty situations.
Worst Use: In sensitive emotional contexts—it can sound dismissive.
Tone: Resilient, determined, gritty.
13. Pushing Forward
Meaning: Continuing to move ahead despite obstacles.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights momentum, drive, and persistence in the face of challenges.
Scenario Examples:
- “Even with setbacks, she’s pushing forward.”
- “Thanks for pushing forward with the client work.”
Best Use: When someone is actively working toward goals despite setbacks.
Worst Use: If the person actually needs rest, not pressure—can feel like pushing too hard.
Tone: Motivating, encouraging.
14. Grinning and Bearing It
Meaning: Enduring challenges with a brave face or forced positivity.
Detailed Explanation: Often implies tolerating discomfort or stress without openly complaining.
Scenario Examples:
- “He’s just grinning and bearing it through long hours.”
- “Sometimes parenting feels like grinning and bearing it.”
Best Use: For lighthearted acknowledgment of difficulties.
Worst Use: In serious or traumatic situations, where humor may come across as insensitive.
Tone: Humorous, stoic, casual.
15. Rolling With the Punches
Meaning: Adapting to unexpected challenges with flexibility.
Detailed Explanation: Comes from a boxing metaphor, meaning to absorb difficulties and keep moving.
Scenario Examples:
- “She’s been rolling with the punches since the reorganization.”
- “Life throws surprises, but I’m rolling with the punches.”
Best Use: When acknowledging resilience and adaptability.
Worst Use: In deeply personal struggles—can sound trivializing.
Tone: Resilient, flexible, easygoing.
16. In Survival Mode
Meaning: Functioning at the bare minimum just to get through.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests someone is under stress, pressure, or exhaustion, focusing only on essentials.
Scenario Examples:
- “With deadlines and family duties, I’m in survival mode.”
- “He’s been in survival mode after the layoffs.”
Best Use: To show honest vulnerability in casual or supportive contexts.
Worst Use: In professional updates—it may imply lack of control or burnout.
Tone: Honest, vulnerable, relatable.
17. Carrying On
Meaning: Continuing with persistence and steadiness, even under pressure.
Detailed Explanation: Reflects the ability to move forward without giving up.
Scenario Examples:
- “Despite setbacks, the team is carrying on.”
- “She’s quietly carrying on after her loss.”
Best Use: For professional settings or stoic encouragement.
Worst Use: When the person needs active emotional support, not neutrality.
Tone: Calm, steady, resilient.
18. Moving Forward
Meaning: Progressing with momentum and determination.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests focusing on future growth rather than past setbacks.
Scenario Examples:
- “You’ve had challenges, but you’re moving forward.”
- “Our company is moving forward with new strategies.”
Best Use: When encouraging positive progress.
Worst Use: In moments where someone needs empathy first—may sound too solution-focused.
Tone: Optimistic, forward-thinking, motivating.
19. Fighting Through
Meaning: Actively battling challenges with strength and determination.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes a proactive struggle, not just coping.
Scenario Examples:
- “She’s really fighting through her illness.”
- “The team is fighting through obstacles to meet the deadline.”
Best Use: When someone shows visible effort and grit.
Worst Use: In situations where the person is too tired—it can sound like pressure.
Tone: Strong, determined, encouraging.
20. Making Headway
Meaning: Progressing gradually toward a goal.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests small but measurable progress during challenges.
Scenario Examples:
- “We’re slowly making headway on the project.”
- “She’s making headway in her recovery.”
Best Use: For gradual improvement contexts.
Worst Use: If progress is nonexistent—it can sound tone-deaf.
Tone: Positive, encouraging, professional.
21. Still Standing
Meaning: Despite challenges, the person is enduring and surviving.
Detailed Explanation: A phrase that conveys resilience and toughness, showing that no matter what happened, the individual hasn’t been defeated.
Scenario Examples:
- “It’s been rough, but I’m still standing.”
- “After all the cutbacks, the business is still standing.”
Best Use: When someone wants to show strength despite setbacks.
Worst Use: When the person feels completely drained—it can sound like forced toughness.
Tone: Strong, gritty, resilient.
22. On Track
Meaning: Continuing progress in the right direction, even if slowly.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests stability and movement toward goals, despite ongoing obstacles.
Scenario Examples:
- “It’s stressful, but I’m on track with my deadlines.”
- “Her recovery seems to be on track.”
Best Use: For workplace updates or structured progress.
Worst Use: When someone is clearly overwhelmed—it can sound dismissive of their stress.
Tone: Professional, steady, focused.
23. Keeping the Faith
Meaning: Maintaining hope and belief that things will improve.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase highlights emotional resilience and optimism, often tied to personal or spiritual outlooks.
Scenario Examples:
- “I’m just keeping the faith that better days are ahead.”
- “Even during challenges, she’s keeping the faith.”
Best Use: In encouraging, supportive, or hopeful conversations.
Worst Use: In strictly professional settings—may sound too personal or spiritual.
Tone: Hopeful, uplifting, optimistic.
24. Staying Grounded
Meaning: Remaining calm, mindful, and stable despite pressure.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests emotional composure and balance while handling stress.
Scenario Examples:
- “Meditation helps me in staying grounded during exams.”
- “He’s staying grounded even through the financial crisis.”
Best Use: When talking about emotional resilience or mindfulness.
Worst Use: In contexts requiring energetic motivation—it can sound too passive.
Tone: Calm, balanced, composed.
25. Staying Optimistic
Meaning: Maintaining a positive outlook during challenges.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on the importance of hope, positivity, and forward-thinking even when circumstances are tough.
Scenario Examples:
- “I’m staying optimistic about the job search.”
- “She’s staying optimistic during her recovery.”
Best Use: For encouragement in personal or professional struggles.
Worst Use: When someone is deeply discouraged—might feel unrealistic or dismissive.
Tone: Encouraging, positive, motivating.
26. Keeping Calm
Meaning: Remaining composed and in control despite stress.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes emotional regulation and level-headedness in difficult situations.
Scenario Examples:
- “Even under pressure, he’s keeping calm.”
- “She’s keeping calm during the family emergency.”
Best Use: When praising someone’s emotional strength.
Worst Use: In severe or urgent struggles—can feel detached.
Tone: Neutral, composed, respectful.
27. Persisting
Meaning: Continuing forward with determination and endurance.
Detailed Explanation: Shows strength of will and perseverance, even against repeated obstacles.
Scenario Examples:
- “She’s persisting with her studies despite setbacks.”
- “They’re persisting through tough market conditions.”
Best Use: When recognizing long-term resilience.
Worst Use: If someone is burned out—may sound like pressure to keep going.
Tone: Determined, resilient, motivating.
28. Resilient as Ever
Meaning: Highlighting someone’s enduring ability to bounce back.
Detailed Explanation: Complimenting a person’s strength, adaptability, and perseverance.
Scenario Examples:
- “Through everything, you’re resilient as ever.”
- “The team is resilient as ever, despite the challenges.”
Best Use: When you want to admire or compliment resilience.
Worst Use: If the person feels exhausted or vulnerable, it may sound like forced praise.
Tone: Positive, admiring, encouraging.
29. One Step at a Time
Meaning: Progressing gradually through difficulties without rushing.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests focusing on small, manageable actions to handle larger struggles.
Scenario Examples:
- “You’ll get there—just take it one step at a time.”
- “Recovery is a journey, and he’s handling it one step at a time.”
Best Use: When offering gentle encouragement.
Worst Use: In fast-moving professional settings—may sound like lack of urgency.
Tone: Gentle, patient, supportive.
30. Staying Resilient
Meaning: Maintaining strength, adaptability, and determination through challenges.
Detailed Explanation: A polished phrase that highlights a person’s inner toughness and endurance.
Scenario Examples:
- “Despite the challenges, she’s staying resilient.”
- “Our company is staying resilient during market shifts.”
Best Use: Works well in both professional and personal contexts.
Worst Use: When someone needs comfort instead of recognition—it can sound distant.
Tone: Polished, professional, supportive.
Conclusion
The phrase “hanging in there” may be familiar, but these 30 thoughtful alternatives allow you to adapt your message with more warmth, care, and relevance. Each option carries its own tone, context, and emotional impact, making it easier to express empathy, encouragement, or professionalism depending on the situation.
