pass the hat
Meaning
To collect money from a group, usually as voluntary contributions for a cause or gift.
Origin
From the practice of literally passing a hat around a crowd so people could drop in coins or bills—common in street performances, pubs, and community fundraisers.
Notes
Casual and slightly old-fashioned; suggests informal group contributions (for a gift, charity, or help). In formal contexts, use “raise funds/collect donations.”
Examples
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After the storm damaged the community center, we passed the hat at the meeting to help pay for repairs.
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Let’s pass the hat and get Sam a small thank-you gift for all her help.
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The band passed the hat after the show, and the crowd was surprisingly generous.
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When the charity’s funding fell through, the volunteers passed the hat to keep the program running.
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We had to pass the hat to cover the extra catering bill when more guests showed up than expected.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: “pass the hat (around)” or “let’s pass the hat.” Can be inflected (passed the hat). Often takes a purpose phrase: “pass the hat for X.”
Synonyms
- take up a collection
- collect contributions
- raise money
- fundraise
Antonyms
- pay for it oneself
- foot the bill