Throw your hat in the ring
Posted by Masakim on February 20, 2002
In Reply to: Throw your hat in the ring posted by Don on February 20, 2002
: Anyone know the origin of this phrase. Meaning to join a race for public office or join a effort.
From Carol P.:
What is the origin of throw _one's hat into the
ring_?
As you might expect, it comes from the boxing ring (well, we supposed
that some of you might have guessed the circus ring...). In the early 19th century,
when boxing was quite popular, one who wished to challenge a boxer would throw
his hat into the ring. This was probably necessitated by the crowds and noise
at such events; you'd be missed if you simply tried to shout out a challenge or
push your way through the crowd and into the ring. John Hamilton Reynolds wrote
in The Fancy: "Throw in his hat, and with a spring get gallantly within the ring."
This is from 1820 and is the first recorded use of the term.
The phrase soon
came to be used figuratively to mean "to enter a contest" and then "to enter a
political contest". Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt used it in 1912:"My hat's in the
ring", he said, meaning that he had entered the presidential race.
From Take
Our Word For It (July 17, 2001)
- Throw your hat in the ring Wordman 03/18/02