throw your hat in the ring

throw (one's) hat in(to) the ring

To announce that one is going to be competing with others, especially in a political election. I'm thinking about throwing my hat in the ring for class president! As has been widely predicted, yesterday the governor threw his hat into the ring for the presidential election next year.See also: hat, ring, throw

throw your hat in (or into) the ring

indicate willingness to take up a challenge or enter a contest. 1998 Times We have been anticipating that South Africa would throw its hat into the ring for some time and have a high regard for the candidacy. See also: hat, ring, throw