go cap in hand (to somebody)British EnglishBrE, go hat in hand American EnglishASK FOR something/ASK somebody TO DO something to ask for money or help in a very respectful way, from someone who has a lot more power than you (向某人)低三下四地讨钱,卑躬屈膝地求助 Elderly people should receive a heating allowance every winter, instead of having to go cap in hand to the government. 老年人应该每年冬天都能领到取暖费,而不是向政府低三下四地讨要。
go cap in hand (to somebody)• Advertisers used to go to museums, cap in hand, to ask permission to use a painting for an advertisement.
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