pass the hat

pass the hat (around) (to someone)

Fig. to collect donations of money from people. (Could also be literal.) Jerry passed the hat around to all the other workers. He passed around the hat to everyone. I'll pass the hat around.

See also: hat, pass

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pass the hat

to ask a group of people to give money Our group has tried passing the hat, and they've had auctions and done various things to raise funds.

Usage notes: usually said about money that is given to help pay for something or to reward someone

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of passing a hat (asking people to put money in a hat that is handed from one person to another)

See also: hat, pass