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hat in hand

adverb

: in an attitude of respectful humility
have to go hat in hand to apologize

Examples of hat in hand in a Sentence

he was forced to apologize hat in hand for the offensive comment
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The socialist had come hat in hand asking the capitalist for help. Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025 Noland said the fare increase was needed not just to generate additional revenue but also to show state lawmakers a commitment to raising money while going to the General Assembly, hat in hand, to request additional funding from the state. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025 What will ultimately happen is that these countries will come, hat in hand, to the negotiating table. Gene Marks, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025 The transit agency will once again go hat in hand to state officials hoping to plug the shortfall. Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hat in hand

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hat in hand was in 1821

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hat in hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hat%20in%20hand. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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