depend on vs hang on

[Lost_Soul]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #27 "The Two Dogs", question 9

The house dog told him to criticize their master who had taught him not how to work but how to ......... on the work of others.

(a) hang
(b) support
(c) attach
(d) depend

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #27 "The Two Dogs", answer 9

The house dog told him to criticize their master who had taught him not how to work but how to depend on the work of others.

Correct answer: (d) depend

Your answer was: incorrect
The house dog told him to criticize their master who had taught him not how to work but how to hang on the work of others.
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Hi, Dear sir !

Could you explain to me why not "hang on" ?
I heard that it means the same as "depend on", like in this sentence: "The result will hang on whether the secret is discovered"

thanks
LS
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Alex

How much upchuck would a woodchuck upchuck if a woodchuck could upchuck ?

(a guy from Russia)

[Mister Micawber]

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The results, or the work, or whatever, 'hangs on'; a person does not 'hang on', in the meaning of 'depend on'.
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Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber