pull one out of the hat

pull one out of the hat

To find sudden and/or unexpected success in a situation that seemed otherwise hopeless or likely to fail. An allusion to the classic magic trick of pulling a rabbit (or other object) out of a seemingly empty hat. Wow, I didn't think you'd have the programming ready in time for launch day, but you really pulled one out of the hat! I don't know how you did it in so little time, but you pulled one out of the hat throwing this party!

See also: hat, of, one, out, pull

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

pull one out of the hat

bring off an unexpected trick in an apparently desperate situation.

The image here is of a rabbit pulled out of a magician's hat.

1971 James McClure The Steam Pig I must say you've really pulled one out of the hat this time.

See also: hat, of, one, out, pull

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