Region: General | Usage example: He threw his hat in the ring for the leadership role.

Throw your hat in the ring

Meaning

Declare your intention to compete.

Used when announcing candidacy.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Boxing arenas where gentlemen tossed hats to challenge a fighter.

Sportswriting from the 1800s popularized the phrase.