throw your hat in the ring

throw (one's) hat in(to) the ring

To announce that one is going to be competing with others, especially in a political election. I'm thinking about throwing my hat in the ring for class president! As has been widely predicted, yesterday the governor threw his hat into the ring for the presidential election next year.
See also: hat, ring, throw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

throw your hat in (or into) the ring

indicate willingness to take up a challenge or enter a contest.
1998 Times We have been anticipating that South Africa would throw its hat into the ring for some time and have a high regard for the candidacy.
See also: hat, ring, throw
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • titfer
  • pass the hat
  • pass the hat (around)
  • keep (something) under (one's) hat
  • keep something under your hat
  • keep under hat
  • keep under one's hat
  • top hat
  • stovepipe hat
  • (as) black as (one's) hat
References in periodicals archive
The electorate in general are willing to forgive and forget minor indiscretions - but when you throw your hat in the ring and sell your soul and their aspirations and principles down the river for your own ends, it is a different story.
Lib Dem losers; Yourview