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hat in hand

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Financial, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.06 sec.
(with) hat in hand
Fig. with humility. (Fig. on the image of someone standing, respectfully, in front of a powerful person, asking for a favor.) She stormed off but came back with hat in hand when she ran out of money. We had to go hat in hand to the committee to get a grant for our proposal.
See also: hand, hat

hat in hand also cap in hand
with an attitude of respect for someone powerful The Secretary of Defense must go to Congress, hat in hand, to get approval to close military bases.
Usage notes: said about someone who is hoping to get something they want
Etymology: based on the custom of men removing their hats to show respect, and on the idea that people beg (ask for money) by holding out a hat
See also: hand, hat


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? References in classic literature
"Dans le bon vieux temps," said the vicomtesse, examining me through her spectacles, and addressing Georges, who stood, hat in hand, to hearken to her wisdom; "dans le bon vieux temps, mon ami, the ladies of the chateau did not want for these things.
Having said this, Napoleon rode on to meet Marshal Lannes, who, hat in hand, rode up smiling to the Emperor to congratulate him on the victory.
He stood hat in hand at the door, amazed by his reception.
 
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