# cap in hand

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cap-in-hand
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

In a humble and respectful manner.

## Examples

- He went to his boss cap in hand to ask for a raise.
- You must go to the neighbors cap in hand to apologize for the noise.
- They stand cap in hand before the judge to ask for a lighter sentence.
- After losing all his money, he had to go to his parents cap in hand to ask for help.
- The small business owner had to approach the bank cap in hand after the unexpected repairs drained their savings account.
- She realized her mistake and returned to the team cap in hand, asking if she could have her old job back.
- The disgraced politician returned to his constituents cap in hand, hoping they would forgive his past mistakes and grant him another chance.

## Origin

Attested from the 19th century, the expression draws from the social requirement of removing one’s headwear to signal respect or submission. The gesture ensured the subject remained uncovered while addressing a superior, a physical manifestation of deference that has survived as a metaphor for humble petitioning long after the hat itself became optional.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.