988,281,046 visitors served.
988,281,046 visitors served. |
|
 Dictionary/ thesaurus |  Medical dictionary |  Legal dictionary |  Financial dictionary |  Acronyms |  Idioms |  Encyclopedia |  Wikipedia encyclopedia | ? |
hat in hand |
Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Financial, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.04 sec. |
|
hat 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 |
|
? 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. |
 |
| Free Tools: |
For surfers:
Browser extension |
Word of the Day |
Help
For webmasters: Free content NEW! | Linking | Lookup box | Double-click lookup | Partner with us |
|
|---|
Disclaimer |
Privacy policy |
Feedback | Copyright © 2008 Farlex, Inc.
Printer friendly
Cite / link
Email
Feedback
hat in hand
