cock-a-hoop
Americanadjective
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in a state of unrestrained joy or exultation; boastfully elated.
He was cock-a-hoop over his victory.
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askew; out of kilter.
He knocked his hat cock-a-hoop.
adjective
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in very high spirits
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boastful
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askew; confused
Etymology
Origin of cock-a-hoop
First recorded in 1520–30; origin uncertain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some MPs are actually cock-a-hoop despite the colossal mess.
From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2023
Zookeepers were "cock-a-hoop" to arrive at work one morning and find a new rhino calf strolling around.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2022
I think he’d be cock-a-hoop, but the director has his doubts.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 11, 2019
The Chinese media have been cock-a-hoop over pictures of American warships limping into port with apparently self-inflicted damage.
From Economist ● Aug. 24, 2017
Work away if it makes you happier!—why be so cock-a-hoop about it?
From Maxim Gorki by Ostwald, Hans
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
