Hinge On for Dummies

Hey there! So, I'm here to help you understand the meaning of the phrase "hinge on." It's actually a pretty common phrase used in everyday conversations, so it's important for you to grasp its meaning.

When we say that something "hinges on" another thing, it means that the success or outcome of the first thing depends completely on the second thing. It's kind of like how a door hinges (you know, those metal things that make a door swing open and closed). Without the hinges, the door wouldn't work properly, right? Well, in a similar way, when something "hinges on" another thing, it means that the second thing is essential for the success or outcome of the first thing.

Let me give you an example to make it easier to understand. Imagine you're baking a cake, and the most crucial ingredient is eggs. Without the eggs, the cake just wouldn't turn out right. The eggs "hinge on" the success of the cake. Without them, you can't really have a cake. So, in this scenario, the eggs are like the hinges (remember, those metal things on a door?), and the cake is the first thing that "hinges on" the eggs.

Now, it's important to note that "hinge on" can also be used in a more abstract sense. It doesn't always have to be about physical objects like doors or ingredients. For example, you could say that someone's career "hinges on" their ability to impress their boss. In this case, the person's career depends on making a good impression on their boss.

So, to sum it up, when we say something "hinges on" another thing, it means that the success or outcome of the first thing depends completely on the second thing. It's like one thing holding or depending on another thing, just like a door depends on its hinges. I hope this explanation makes sense to you and helps you understand the phrase "hinge on" better! Let me know if you have any more questions.