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

• you are all over
• you are someone all over
• you are something all over
• you bet
• You better believe it!
• you better believe it
• You bet your ass!
• you bet your ass
• you bet your bottom dollar
• you bet your sweet ass
• You bet your sweet ass!
• you can bet on it
• you can bet your bottom dollar
• you can bet your life
• you can kiss goodbye
• you can kiss something goodbye
• You can lead a horse to water.
• You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
• You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.
• you can say that again
• You can say that again!
• You can talk!
• You can't judge a book by its cover.
• You can't keep a good man down.
• You can't keep a good woman down.