What does the phrase "hanging fire" mean?

Question

I'm studying a poem by Audre Lorde under that title, and I don't understand what it means.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Hanging fire means- To delay taking action , procrastinate, stall, stop, wait, hang back, to not develop or progress. I hope this helped you.

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Asker's Comment:

thank you, that did help :)

Answer 2

what "Candy S" said

Source(s):

What does the pharse "that's life" mean?

Answer 3

It has to do with any weapon you muzzle load. From guns to cannons.

Most of the time, you light th powder and fuse, and BANG, it goes off. At times thought, your powder might be damp, or not of a high quality. That would give you "hanging fire". The fuse has been lit...but there can be a delay of several seconds, before the shot actually goes off.

Now imagine "hanging fire" if you were trying to shoot an angry bear that was charging you, or a pirate ship that was trying to overtake yours. Total suspence

~Garnet