To hang loosely and swing back and forth; or to offer something tempting without fully giving it.
Probably of Scandinavian origin, related to Danish 'dangle' meaning 'to swing'. The sense of teasing with an offer developed later.
Dangling is all about almost—but not quite—settled. Whether it’s keys swinging from a hook or a promise just out of reach, dangled things keep your attention by never fully landing.
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