cock-a-hoop

adjective

ˌkä-kə-ˈhüp How to pronounce cock-a-hoop (audio)
-ˈhu̇p
Synonyms of cock-a-hoopnext
chiefly British
: triumphantly pleased or boastful : happily exulting
Are agents and builders cock-a-hoop that more money is coming into the housing market through building societies and local authorities?—Audrey Powell

Synonyms

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Examples of cock-a-hoop in a Sentence

the district attorney's office was positively cock-a-hoop upon obtaining a conviction in the case against the mobster topped with 50 burning candles all cock-a-hoop and dripping wax, the birthday cake made its dramatic appearance

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase to set cock a hoop to be festive

First Known Use

1564, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cock-a-hoop was in 1564

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Dictionary Entries Near cock-a-hoop

cock-a-doodle-doo

cock-a-hoop

Cockaigne

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Cite this Entry

“Cock-a-hoop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cock-a-hoop. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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