wear many / several (different) hats

/wˈeə mˈɛni sˈɛvɹəl dˈɪfɹənt hˈats/

/wˈɛɹ mˈɛni sˈɛvɹəl dˈɪfɹənt hˈæts/

[phrase]

to wear many / several (different) hats

[PHRASE]

to have different roles, positions, or jobs at the same time

to [wear] (many|several) (different|) hats definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "wear many hats" and when to use it?

The phrase "wear many hats" originated in the early 20th century and referred to the practice of wearing different hats to represent different roles or occupations. The term "hat" is used metaphorically to represent different responsibilities or tasks. It is often used in work or professional contexts, where someone may need to perform different tasks or take on different roles in order to achieve their goals.

Examples

1. She wears many hats in her job, including project manager, accountant, and human resources coordinator.

2. Hickok wore many hats during the war, going where he was needed.

3. As mentioned before, he wore many hats as his uncle’s right-hand man.

4. Don't they wear different hats if they're single or married? -

Nearby words

knock out of the park

have it going on

land on feet

white as a ghost