I decided to put my name in the hat for the new position.
put one's name in the hat
idiomTo run in an election or to nominate oneself for consideration in some other selection process; to nominate someone other than oneself for such consideration.
Origin
disputed originFrom the informal practice of putting ballots into a hat, and then drawing a single ballot from the hat at random to decide the winner. When one put one's own name on a ballot in the hat, one would therefore be eligible to win.
After the manager announced the opening, several employees put their names in the hat for the promotion.
Although he initially hesitated, he eventually put his name in the hat for the committee chair, hoping to influence the organization's future direction.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated July 12, 2026