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Hat in Hand

Posted by Smokey Stover on April 01, 2004

In Reply to: Hat in Hand posted by Sax on April 01, 2004

: Hi! I've seen the discussion re: heart in hand, etc., but can you please tell me the meaning/origin of hat in hand? Thank you - Sax

From the Phrase-Finder Archives: 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]

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