cock-a-hoop

[ kok-uh-hoop, -hoop, kok-uh-hoop, -hoop ]

adjective

1. in a state of unrestrained joy or exultation; boastfully elated:

   He was cock-a-hoop over his victory.

2. askew; out of kilter:

   He knocked his hat cock-a-hoop.

cock-a-hoop

adjective

1. in very high spirits
2. boastful
3. askew; confused

Word History and Origins

Origin of cock-a-hoop¹

First recorded in 1520–30; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of cock-a-hoop¹

C16: perhaps from the phrase to set the cock a hoop to live prodigally, literally: to put a cock on a hoop, a full measure of grain

Example Sentences

Cock-a-hoop over his cosmonauts, a little miffed perhaps that the rest of the world was not giving him what he regarded as his due, and possibly feeling a little frustrated over the West's stubborn resistance on Berlin.

From Time Magazine Archive

Cock-a-hoop over two fresh by-election victories, Prime Minister Harold Macmillan told a Tory rally that in view of "the folly, confusion and incompetence of our opponents," he might very well follow Sir Winston Churchill's example and resign his office after his 80th birthday�in 1974.

From Time Magazine Archive

“Cock-a-hoop with your new commission, before the ink is dry.”

From Project Gutenberg

"Cock-a-hoop with your new commission, before the ink is dry!"

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps the phrase "Cock-a-Hoop," may be derived from the sign of that bird standing on a hoop, thus most conspicuously displaying himself, as we find that sign or rather design existed in the reign above mentioned.

From Project Gutenberg