# hat in hand

idiom

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

## Meaning

With humility; in an apologetic or self-effacing fashion.

## Examples

- He went to his boss hat in hand to ask for forgiveness.
- After realizing his mistake, he returned to the office hat in hand to apologize to his colleagues.
- The disgraced official arrived at the hearing hat in hand, hoping that a display of genuine contrition might mitigate the severity of his impending punishment.

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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.