cap-in-hand
Meekly asking favors
Cap-in-hand describes a humble or submissive manner, as if literally holding one's cap while begging or pleading: He went cap-in-hand to his father for money.
The image is of a supplicant removing his hat as a sign of deference.
The phrase often implies reluctant humiliation—asking for something you'd rather not need.
Earnest desperate requesting
- pleadingUrgent heartfelt request
- humbleUnassuming about oneself
- beseechingUrgently pleading for something
- imploringUrgently requesting with emotion
entreating · petitioning · groveling · deferential · submissive · meek · lowly · obsequious
Temporary taking of another's
- loanBorrowed money repaid later
- debtMoney owed another
- creditorOne owed money
- bailoutEmergency aid preventing bankruptcy
handout · charity · alms · donation · funding · subsidy · grant · assistance
One lower in rank
- inferiorOf lower rank
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
- vulnerableOpen to attack
- disadvantagedLacking social or economic resources
unequal · hierarchy · employer · landlord · benefactor · patron · authority · superior
begging
Earnest desperate requesting
- pleadingUrgent heartfelt request
- humbleUnassuming about oneself
- beseechingUrgently pleading for something
imploring · entreating · petitioning · groveling · deferential · submissive · meek · lowly · obsequious · kowtowing
borrowing
Temporary taking of another's
bailout · handout · charity · alms · donation · funding · subsidy · grant · assistance · relief
subordinate
One lower in rank
- inferiorOf lower rank
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
- vulnerableOpen to attack
disadvantaged · unequal · hierarchy · employer · landlord · benefactor · patron · authority · superior · dominance
- submissivesubmissive, subservient, obedient, servile, docile
cap-in-handdemanding
Requiring great effort
imperious · entitled · arrogant · haughty · high-handed
cap-in-handholding all the cards
Having every advantage
self-sufficient · independent · calling the shots · in the driver's seat · empowered
cap, hand, caps, hands, capped, capping, handed, handing, handy