If you throw your hat into the ring or throw your hat in the ring, you become one of the people taking part in a competition or contest. She lost the nomination after Kinkel threw his hat into the ring at the last moment. Jimmy Elsby, another assistant general secretary, is expected to throw his hat in the ring. Note: People sometimes use cap instead of hat. He said straightaway that he would play. I am delighted that he has decided to throw his cap into the ring. Note: Other verbs are sometimes used instead of throw. Denmark's Morten Olsen has put his hat into the ring to succeed Richard Moller Nielsen as national team coach. Note: In the past, prize fighters at showgrounds used to challenge people to fight them. Someone who was willing to accept the challenge would throw their hat into the ring.