put one's name in the hat
To run in an election or to nominate oneself for consideration in some other selection process; to nominate someone other than oneself for such consideration.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I decided to put my name in the hat for the new position.”
“She puts her name in the hat for every local singing competition.”
“Do you plan to put your name in the hat for the volunteer role?”
“After the manager announced the opening, several employees put their names in the hat for the promotion.”
“If you want to be the next team captain, you should put your name in the hat before the deadline on Friday.”
“The teacher asked if anyone wanted to put their name in the hat to lead the group project next week.”
“Although he initially hesitated, he eventually put his name in the hat for the committee chair, hoping to influence the organization's future direction.”
From the informal practice of placing ballots into a hat and drawing a single name at random to determine a winner. By placing one's own name on a ballot within the vessel, one achieved the necessary eligibility for selection.
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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 August 10, 2026