with an attitude of respect for someone powerful.

The Secretary of Defense must go to Congress, hat in hand, to get approval to close military bases.

Usage notes: said about someone who is hoping to get something they want

Etymology: based on the custom of men removing their hats to show respect, and on the idea that people beg (= ask for money) by holding out a hat

• do a number on someone
• do a number on something
• do any favours
• do anything by halves
• do a power of good
• do a roaring trade
• do a slow burn
• do away with
• do away with someone
• do away with something
• do a world of good
• do battle
• do battle with
• do battle with something
• do best
• do bidding
• do bit
• do by halves
• do credit to
• do credit to someone
• do damnedest
• do dirt
• do dirty work
• do double duty
• do double duty as