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Hat in Hand

To apologize or act humble, to ask for a pardon or a favor

Etymology:

  • There was a time when people asked for money by having container in hands. They often used hat instead of a container. Taking off your hat for someone shows your respect for him/her. So a person who has his hat in hand is showing respect to be pardoned or favored by next person.
5,022 Views
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I asked hundreds of times to lend some money with hat in hand, but Sara didn’t give a penny.

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Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Hat in Hand':

hat in handWith humility; in an apologetic or self-effacing fashion.
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Translation

Find a translation for the Hat in Hand phrase in other languages:

قبعة في متناول اليد

sombrero en mano

cappello in mano

chapéu na mão

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to Hat in Hand

hand someone his headin handhell in a hand baskethang your hat on thathave one's hand outhand to Godhold someone's handhand someone his headhold someone's handhand-to-mouthhand to mouthhot handhat hairhave a brick in one's hat

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    "Hat in Hand." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/hat-in-hand_44740>.

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