Meaning: To announce your intention to compete or participate in a challenge, election, or contest.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “She decided to throw her hat in the ring and run for class president.”
- “After much deliberation, he threw his hat in the ring for the promotion.”
- “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.