Hat in hand Meaning in English
expression
ˈhæt/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈhænd
HAT-in-HAND
hˈæt/ /ˈɪn/ /hˈænd
HAT-in-HAND
Definition
To approach someone very humbly, often when asking for something or admitting a mistake.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in figurative or formal contexts, not literal. Associated with asking for forgiveness, help, or favors. Implies humility or sometimes embarrassment. Less direct than 'beg'. Not used for casual requests.
Spanish: con humildad - con actitud humildePortuguese (BR): com humildade - de forma humildePortuguese (PT): com humildade - de forma humildeChinese (Simplified): 低声下气 - 谦卑地Chinese (Traditional): 低聲下氣 - 謙卑地Hindi: विनम्रता से - झुके सिरArabic: بتواضع - بانكسارBengali: নতমস্তকে - বিনয়ের সাথেRussian: раскаянно - с повинной - очень смиренноJapanese: 深々と頭を下げて - 謙虚にVietnamese: với thái độ khiêm nhường - cúi đầu xin lỗiKorean: 머리를 숙이고 - 겸손하게Turkish: başını eğerek - alçakgönüllülükleUrdu: نہایت عاجزی سے - سر جھکا کرIndonesian: dengan rendah hati - dengan penuh kerendahan
Example Sentences
He came hat in hand to ask for his job back.
basic
She stood there hat in hand, waiting for forgiveness.
basic
He asked for help hat in hand after he failed the test.
basic
I came to you hat in hand because I really need your advice.
natural
Nobody likes going hat in hand, but sometimes it's necessary.
natural
He showed up hat in hand after the argument, hoping she'd forgive him.
natural