pass around the hat

== English == === Etymology === From the practice of placing money in a hat circulated to collect funds from a small group. The figurative usage is extended from the literal usage. === Pronunciation === === Verb === pass the hat (third-person singular simple present passes the hat, present participle passing the hat, simple past and past participle passed the hat) (idiomatic) To ask for money, especially from a group of people; to solicit donations or contributions. Synonym: take up a collection ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ====