hat trick

Meaning

Noun

• Three wickets taken by a bowler in three consecutive balls.
• Three goals scored by one player in a game, in ice hockey usually followed by fans throwing their hats onto the rink.
• Three achievements in a single game, or similar, such as three consecutive wins.
• Striking out three times in one game.
• Three incidents or achievements that occur together.
• A means of securing a seat in the House of Commons by placing one's hat upon it.
• Any magic trick performed with a hat.

Origin

• c.1877, originally from cricket, meaning the taking of three wickets with three consecutive balls. Allegedly, a hat trick entitled the bowler to receive a commemorative hat from his club, or alternatively it may have entitled him to pass the hat for a cash collection.