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Cap in Hand

What Does "Cap in Hand" Mean?

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"Cap in hand" is an English idiom. It means "humbly asking for a favour or in a submissive manner."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "cap in hand" used in a sentence:
  • He went to his boss, cap in hand, to ask for another chance.
  • They came to the meeting cap in hand, hoping for a compromise.
  • I hate having to go to the bank, cap in hand, every time I need a loan.
meaning for cap in hand

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Cap in Hand" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

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