# pull out of the hat

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pull-out-of-the-hat
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To select at random, or seemingly at random.

## Examples

- He pulled a random name out of the hat.
- The manager pulled a winner out of the hat to decide who gets the extra vacation day.
- Without any clear criteria, the committee pulled a candidate out of the hat to lead the new project.

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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.