pass the hat

Idioms  

1. Ask for financial contributions, as in Let's pass the hat so we can get her a nice going-away gift. This expression alludes to the actual practice of passing a hat around a gathering, but it is also used more figuratively, as in The board decided to pass the hat again among the corporate sponsors. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

I’m trying to pass the hat around to my friends to meet margin calls.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

But critics say such loans are a symptom of a healthcare system under severe strain, with hospitals forced to pass the hat around the community.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

The owners were reluctant to pass the hat with an online fundraiser.

From Washington Times • Jan. 3, 2021

“If one goes through hardship, we’ll pass the hat and get them through,” bus operator Winston Nichols said.

From Washington Post • Nov. 24, 2019

I offer to go door-to-door for donations and pass the hat around the cafeteria.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• award
• bequeath
• contribute
• devote
• give
• give away
• grant
• hand out
• present
• provide