hats off
4 synonyms for hats off, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Phrase — Used to express admiration or respect for what someone has achieved.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
well done
credit where it's due
take a bow
How to use hats off
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
hats off to
hats off to you
hats off to everyone involved
Neutral to slightly formal; common in speeches, reviews and social posts.
Etymology
From the old custom of removing one's hat as a mark of respect.
Full origin of hats off →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hats off and kudos?
Both praise an achievement. Hats off is warm and slightly formal, and is always aimed at a person: hats off to the team. Kudos is the credit itself and can stand alone, as in kudos for spotting that.
How do you use hats off in a sentence?
Almost always with to and the person being praised: hats off to Maria for organising the whole thing. It works on its own as an exclamation as well: hats off, that was a superb piece of work.
Is it hats off or hat's off?
Hats off, with no apostrophe. The phrase pictures a whole room of people removing their hats, so the plural is the standard form.
