hat in hand

Idioms  

1. Also, cap in hand. In a humble manner. For example, They went to her, hat in hand, asking for a change of assignment. This expression alludes to removing one's headgear as a sign of respect and has survived the era of doffing one's hat. [c. 1700]

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Example Sentences

But what caused Milei to go hat in hand to the U.S. in the first place?

From Salon

Brad Karp, the head of the firm, went, hat in hand, to the Oval Office and lit a match to the firm’s reputation.

From Slate

“It wasn’t easy to kind of come hat in hand, so to speak, and say ‘This is something I need help with.’

From Seattle Times

And while little is known of George Leslie’s early life, it’s safe to say that he grew up wanting little, ready to marry well and live out his days with a top hat in hand.

From Slate

But the Americans should also not expect Mr Xi to be arriving hat in hand and eager to please.

From BBC