hat in hand

Definition

With humility; in an apologetic or self-effacing fashion.

Example Sentences

• "Hat in hand, the sailors stood deferentially in a semicircle before him."
• ""D'you think the proud English corporations are going to let you inside? Not them. The most you'll get will be the scraps that fall from their table, my poor Lazarus, and for these you'll have to go hat in hand to Dives.""
• "Turkish leaders are accustomed to visiting Europe with hat in hand, seeking to make compromises."