hat in hand


(with) hat in hand

In a meek or submissive manner. (The removal of one's hat is typically a gesture of respect.) I can't believe I have to go back to my old boss with hat in hand and ask for my job back.See also: hand, hat

(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. In a humble manner. For example, They went to her, hat in hand, asking for a change of assignment. This expression alludes to removing one's headgear as a sign of respect and has survived the era of doffing one's hat. [c. 1700] See also: hand, hat

hat in hand

In a humble manner; humbly.See also: hand, hat