phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Throw your hat in the ring

Posted by Masakim on February 20, 2002

In Reply to: Throw your hat in the ring posted by Don on February 20, 2002

: Anyone know the origin of this phrase. Meaning to join a race for public office or join a effort.

From Carol P.:
What is the origin of throw _one's hat into the ring_?
As you might expect, it comes from the boxing ring (well, we supposed that some of you might have guessed the circus ring...). In the early 19th century, when boxing was quite popular, one who wished to challenge a boxer would throw his hat into the ring. This was probably necessitated by the crowds and noise at such events; you'd be missed if you simply tried to shout out a challenge or push your way through the crowd and into the ring. John Hamilton Reynolds wrote in The Fancy: "Throw in his hat, and with a spring get gallantly within the ring." This is from 1820 and is the first recorded use of the term.
The phrase soon came to be used figuratively to mean "to enter a contest" and then "to enter a political contest". Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt used it in 1912:"My hat's in the ring", he said, meaning that he had entered the presidential race.
From Take Our Word For It (July 17, 2001)

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.