Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

cap in hand

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.46 in modern English

Syllables: cap in -hand
IPA

17

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

adv

In a humble and respectful manner.

Example Sentences

"No longer were we required to go cap in hand to the banks if we wanted money: they were coming to us."
"He has also been good enough to recommend to me many tradesmen who are ready to supply these articles in any quantities; each of whom has been here already a dozen times, cap in hand, and vowing that it is quite immaterial when I pay—which is very kind of them; […]"
"But with income from fares largely wiped out, it has come at a price. TfL had to go cap-in-hand to central Government for money. In doing so, it had to agree to changes - interference, if you prefer that choice of word - that it previously would have resisted."
"The notion that London will go cap in hand for a bailout too big for the IMF to deliver is absurd."

Etymology

From the act of removing one's headwear as a sign of respect or submission. Attested from the 19th century.

Phrases

doff one's hat to

Frequently Paired Words

doff doff one's hat to poormouth

Synonyms

hat in hand

Questions

What does cap in hand mean?: In a humble and respectful manner.
Where does cap in hand come from?: From the act of removing one's headwear as a sign of respect or submission. Attested from the 19th century.

How to pronounce cap in hand

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