take (one's) hat off to (someone or something)

take (one's) hat off to (someone or something)

To praise, salute, congratulate, or pay tribute to someone or something. We all take our hats off to Janet for her recent promotion. I take my hat off to that organization for providing help when no one else does.See also: hat, off, take

take one's hat off to someone

Fig. to salute or pay an honor to someone. Good work. I take my hat off to you. I take off my hat to you! What an excellent job!See also: hat, off, take

take one's hat off to

Also, take off one's hat to. Express one's admiration, as in I take off my hat to you-you've done very well indeed. [Mid-1800s] Also see hats off to. See also: hat, off, take

take your hat off to someone

COMMON If you say that you take your hat off to someone, you are expressing admiration for something that they have done. I take my hat off to them. They've done very well. You have to take your hat off to a team that can do that. Note: You can also say hats off to someone. Hats off to them for supporting the homeless. Hats off to the newspaper for having the courage to publish the pictures. Note: People used to remove their hats as a sign of respect when they met someone. See also: hat, off, someone, take

take your hat off to

state your admiration for someone who has achieved something. BritishSee also: hat, off, take

take your ˈhat off to somebody

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hats ˈoff to somebody

(both especially British English) (American English usually tip your ˈhat to somebody) (informal) used for expressing admiration for what somebody has done: I take my hat off to the doctors and nurses of the hospital. They were magnificent. ♢ Hats off to you. That’s the best fish soup I’ve ever tasted.See also: hat, off, somebody, take

take (one's) hat off to

To respect, admire, or congratulate.See also: hat, off, take