The Hanged Man and Death

Suspension and release. The Hanged Man is a pause that is chosen and uncomfortable; Death is the change it was waiting on. The tradition reads the pair as a wait that ends, and is specific that the waiting had a purpose.

A situation held in place deliberately, then resolved. Associated with people who waited on purpose rather than out of fear.

A stalled period ending in a genuine change of direction. Associated with people who stayed put deliberately while something worked itself out, rather than with people who were stuck.

The Hanged Man hangs by choice, and the free leg is crossed. If the waiting in your situation is not chosen, this pairing is describing something else.