phrase
hats off
HATS OF
Hats off (phrase) means used to express admiration or respect for what someone has achieved. Example: “Hats off to the crew, who rebuilt the stage in four hours.”
phrase
1
Used to express admiration or respect for what someone has achieved.
"Hats off to the crew, who rebuilt the stage in four hours."
"Hats off to her for finishing the race on a broken ankle."
How to use hats off
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA way of saying well done and I'm impressed.
When to use it
Neutral to slightly formal; common in speeches, reviews and social posts.
Memory tip
The phrase is always followed by to, never for the person: hats off to him, not hats off for him.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
hats off to
hats off to you
hats off to everyone involved
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Can you complete this real example?
_____ to the crew, who rebuilt the stage in four hours.
Etymology
From the old custom of removing one's hat as a mark of respect.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
What is the meaning of hats off?
"hats off" (phrase) means used to express admiration or respect for what someone has achieved.
