throw one's hat in the ring
Enter the competition
To throw one's hat in the ring is to enter a competition or declare oneself a candidate, especially for political office.
The phrase comes from boxing, where throwing a hat into the ring signaled a challenge.
She finally threw her hat in the ring for the Senate seat.
The expression emphasizes the public, committed nature of the decision.
- volunteerUnpaid willing participant
- tossLight, casual throw
- enlistJoin armed forces
- hatGarment for the head
- challengeTest of ability
join · nomination · make a move · ring · take the plunge · campaign · run for office · race · bid · make a bid · ambition · step forward · sign up · rival · entry · stake a claim · courage · contest
commitment and risk-taking
throw one's hat in the ringsit on the fence
Avoid committing either way
keep one's head down · play it safe · hedge one's bets · keep a low profile · bide one's time