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

See Examples For:

hat in hand

Unlike federal agencies, the Fed doesn’t have to go to Congress hat in hand to cover operating losses.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 25, 2026

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

From Salon ● Sep. 26, 2025

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 ● Mar. 21, 2025

“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 ● Jan. 25, 2024

The preacher came forward slowly, hat in hand, and stood in front of Mr. Dalton.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright