Tag Archives: hat

Throw your hat in the ring

Meaning: To announce your intention to compete or participate in a challenge, election, or contest.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “She decided to throw her hat in the ring and run for class president.”
  2. “After much deliberation, he threw his hat in the ring for the promotion.”
  3. “Several candidates have thrown their hats in the ring for the upcoming mayoral race.”

Origin:
The idiom originates from 19th-century boxing. In informal prizefighting, a contestant would throw their hat into the boxing ring as a signal of their willingness to challenge the current fighter. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for entering any competition or challenge.

Throw your hat in the ring

Keep something under one’s hat

Meaning: To keep something a secret or to not reveal information.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I have a new job offer, but I’m keeping it under my hat until everything is finalized.”
  2. “He found out some surprising news but promised to keep it under his hat.”
  3. “She’s planning a big surprise party, so keep it under your hat!”

Origin: This idiom is thought to have originated in England in the 19th century. Hats were often used to conceal objects, and the phrase came to metaphorically mean keeping information hidden or not revealing it. The hat acts as a symbol for discretion and secrecy.

Keep something under one's hat