How would you explain “hang off” in the context?
He found Robin’s company satisfactory and restful, not only because she was hanging off his every word, and had not troubled to break his silences, but because that little sapphire ring on her third finger was like a neat full stop: this far, and no further. It suited him perfectly. He was free to show off, in a very mild way, which was one of the few pleasures remaining to him.

How would you explain “hang off” in “she was hanging off his every word”?
Thanks!

Question

How would you explain “hang off” in the context?
He found Robin’s company satisfactory and restful, not only because she was hanging off his every word, and had not troubled to break his silences, but because that little sapphire ring on her third finger was like a neat full stop: this far, and no further. It suited him perfectly. He was free to show off, in a very mild way, which was one of the few pleasures remaining to him.

How would you explain “hang off” in “she was hanging off his every word”?
Thanks!

Answer

In this context, "hang off" means that Robin was so so enthralled with "him" that she paid attention to everything he said (and treated them like something very important). Often, devoted followers of, say, a religious figure will "hang of every word of" the religious leader. Or fans of a leading Hollywood star may hang off her every word... "Hanging off someone's word" conveys a sense of puppy-eyed devotion.