go cap in hand

go cap in hand (to someone)

To ask someone for help, often monetary, with embarrassment. Primarily heard in UK. I don't have enough money for rent this month, so I guess I'll just have to go cap in hand to my parents. It's amusing seeing the governor have to go cap in hand to the state in order to get his budget requests approved. I sure made a big mistake blowing my life savings on that stupid business venture. Now I have to go cap in hand to my parents and ask them to lend me some money.

See also: cap, go, hand

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

go cap in ˈhand (to somebody)

(British English) (American English go hat in ˈhand) beg for something very respectfully: I’ve run out of money, but I don’t want to go cap in hand to my father.

See also: cap, go, hand

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017