(with) 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 or deference.) I can't believe I have to go back to my old boss with hat in hand and ask for my job back. It's amusing seeing the governor have to grovel hat in hand before the state senate in order to get his budget requests approved.
See also: hand, hat
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
(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
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
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
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
hat in hand
In a humble manner; humbly.
See also: hand, hat
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- come back and see us
- crawl back to
- crawl back to (one)
- back
- back at (something or some place)
- echo back to
- be/go back to square one
- a while back
- back door
- back to square one