The phrase “hanging in there” is often used to show resilience, patience, or quiet strength during tough times. It means you’re enduring, coping, or managing despite challenges. Whether you’re comforting someone who’s struggling or describing your own perseverance, it helps to have other ways to say “hanging in there” that fit different tones — from supportive and hopeful to casual and conversational.
Below are 30 alternative expressions for “hanging in there,” with meanings, examples, and usage tips.
1. Doing my best
Meaning: Trying as hard as possible given the situation.
Example: It’s been a tough week, but I’m doing my best.
Tone: Honest, hopeful.
2. Taking it one day at a time
Meaning: Focusing on surviving each day instead of worrying about the future.
Example: I’m just taking it one day at a time right now.
Tone: Reflective, calm.
3. Managing
Meaning: Coping adequately, even if things aren’t perfect.
Example: I’m managing — thanks for checking in.
Tone: Neutral, steady.
4. Getting by
Meaning: Surviving or making it through with limited ease.
Example: It’s been busy, but I’m getting by.
Tone: Casual, modest.
5. Surviving
Meaning: Enduring a challenging period or situation.
Example: Just surviving this workload for now.
Tone: Lighthearted, relatable.
6. Holding on
Meaning: Staying strong and not giving up.
Example: I’m holding on and hoping things get better soon.
Tone: Encouraging, resilient.
7. Keeping my head above water
Meaning: Managing to cope with pressure or difficulties.
Example: There’s a lot going on, but I’m keeping my head above water.
Tone: Figurative, relatable.
8. Pushing through
Meaning: Continuing to move forward despite obstacles.
Example: I’m pushing through — can’t stop now.
Tone: Motivational, determined.
9. Staying strong
Meaning: Remaining emotionally or mentally resilient.
Example: It’s been rough, but I’m staying strong.
Tone: Positive, empowering.
10. Making it work
Meaning: Finding ways to manage or adjust.
Example: Things aren’t ideal, but I’m making it work.
Tone: Resourceful, practical.
11. Powering through
Meaning: Forcing yourself to continue despite fatigue or stress.
Example: I’m powering through until the weekend.
Tone: Determined, upbeat.
12. Keeping on keeping on
Meaning: Continuing to go forward no matter what.
Example: You know me — just keeping on keeping on.
Tone: Folksy, casual.
13. Staying afloat
Meaning: Managing to maintain stability in hard times.
Example: Bills are piling up, but I’m staying afloat.
Tone: Neutral, relatable.
14. Making it through
Meaning: Enduring or surviving until something ends.
Example: Almost done with finals — just making it through.
Tone: Hopeful, enduring.
15. Doing okay
Meaning: Things aren’t great but not terrible either.
Example: I’m doing okay, just tired.
Tone: Neutral, soft.
16. Coping
Meaning: Handling difficulties with effort and patience.
Example: I’m coping — some days are harder than others.
Tone: Honest, calm.
17. Battling through
Meaning: Facing challenges head-on.
Example: Still battling through the chaos at work.
Tone: Strong, determined.
18. Enduring
Meaning: Continuing despite hardship or discomfort.
Example: Just enduring until things improve.
Tone: Stoic, resilient.
19. Hanging tough
Meaning: Staying strong despite challenges.
Example: It’s been rough, but I’m hanging tough.
Tone: Confident, encouraging.
20. Staying positive
Meaning: Keeping an optimistic outlook through challenges.
Example: I’m staying positive — things will turn around soon.
Tone: Upbeat, hopeful.
21. Getting through it
Meaning: Continuing despite difficulties.
Example: It’s not easy, but I’m getting through it.
Tone: Realistic, resilient.
22. Keeping calm and carrying on
Meaning: Handling adversity with composure.
Example: Trying to keep calm and carry on, as they say.
Tone: Classic, reassuring.
23. Still standing
Meaning: Surviving despite all difficulties.
Example: After everything, I’m still standing.
Tone: Empowering, strong.
24. Staying grounded
Meaning: Remaining steady and emotionally balanced.
Example: Meditation’s helping me stay grounded.
Tone: Peaceful, reflective.
25. Taking it as it comes
Meaning: Dealing with situations one step at a time.
Example: I’m taking it as it comes — no point stressing.
Tone: Relaxed, wise.
26. Fighting through it
Meaning: Not giving up when facing difficulty.
Example: I’m fighting through it — trying to stay focused.
Tone: Brave, strong.
27. Keeping faith
Meaning: Holding onto hope or belief that things will improve.
Example: I’m keeping faith that it’ll all work out.
Tone: Hopeful, spiritual.
28. Maintaining
Meaning: Staying stable without losing progress.
Example: I’m maintaining — just keeping the routine going.
Tone: Practical, neutral.
29. Still in the game
Meaning: Continuing to persevere despite setbacks.
Example: It’s been tough, but I’m still in the game.
Tone: Confident, determined.
30. Not giving up
Meaning: Refusing to quit or lose hope.
Example: No matter what, I’m not giving up.
Tone: Inspirational, firm.
Conclusion
“Hanging in there” is a comforting phrase that signals strength, but sometimes you need alternatives to better match the tone — professional, emotional, or personal. Whether you say “staying strong,” “getting by,” or “taking it one day at a time,” each phrase communicates quiet resilience and hope.
Use these variations to show empathy, persistence, and positivity — the heart of endurance in everyday life.
