go cap in hand to someone

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.

See also: cap, go, hand

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

go cap in hand to someone

BRITISH

If you go cap in hand to someone, you ask them very humbly and respectfully for money or help. Separated from Russia and Central Asia, it had to go cap in hand to its neighbours for oil and gas. Note: The usual American expression is hat in hand. Note: The idea is of a servant or person of low rank removing their hat in the presence of someone important.

See also: cap, go, hand, someone, to

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012