What does “Pass the hat” mean?
"Pass the hat" means to collect money from a group of people for a specific purpose.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After the concert, the band passed the hat to raise funds for their next album.
Example
We're trying to raise money for a charity event, so we'll pass the hat during the meeting.
Example
At the end of the party, we passed the hat to collect contributions for the host's birthday gift
Is “Pass the hat” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Pass the hat” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Pass the hat” effectively in context?
You can use "Pass the Hat" when you want to collect money from a group of people for a specific purpose. It implies a communal effort and shared responsibility. For example, if you're organizing a fundraiser for a local charity, you might say, 'Let's pass the hat during the event to collect donations.'
- 1Music Event
After the concert, the band passed the hat to raise funds for their next album.
- 2Meeting
We're trying to raise money for a charity event, so we'll pass the hat during the meeting.
- 3Party
At the end of the party, we passed the hat to collect contributions for the host's birthday gift.
Similar phrases to “Pass the hat”:
Take up a collection
To gather money or contributions from a group of people
Example
They took up a collection at the office to support a coworker in need.
Crowdfund
To raise money for a project or cause by soliciting contributions from a large number of people, typically via the internet
Example
They decided to crowdfund their new business idea.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Pass the hat” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Pass the Hat" is unknown.
Is “Pass the hat” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Pass the Hat" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used in informal settings, such as social gatherings or community events, to collect money for a specific cause.
What tone does “Pass the hat” have?
"Pass the Hat" conveys a tone of collaboration and community. It suggests that everyone is contributing to a shared goal or purpose.
Can “Pass the hat” be used in informal and formal settings?
While "Pass the Hat" is more commonly used in informal settings, it can also be used in more formal situations, such as fundraising events or business meetings. However, it may be more appropriate to use alternative phrases like 'collect donations' in formal contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'During the event, we will pass the hat to collect funds.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "pass the hat"!' to suggest collecting money.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- collect donations
- raise funds
- gather contributions
- solicit money
- ask for financial support
Antonyms
- keep one's money
- withhold contributions
- refuse to donate
- decline to give
- hold onto one's wallet
