cocked hat

• Chapeau tricorne historique porté aux XVIIIe et début XIXe siècles, souvent associé aux uniformes militaires ou marins. L'expression « to knock into a cocked hat » est une locution idiomatique ancienne signifiant défaire ou ruiner complètement quelque chose.

A historical three-cornered hat worn in the 18th and early 19th centuries, often associated with military or naval uniforms. The phrase 'to knock into a cocked hat' is an old idiom meaning to defeat or ruin something completely.

1. A type of hatC1formal

   A hat with the brim turned up on two or three sides, often associated with military or naval uniforms in the 18th and 19th centuries.

   chapeau à bords relevés

   • The admiral wore a cocked hat during the ceremony.
   • In historical paintings, officers are often depicted in cocked hats.
   • He bought a replica of a cocked hat for the costume party.

2. In a mess or disarrayC2informalbritish

   Used in the phrase 'to knock into a cocked hat', meaning to ruin or spoil something completely.

   désordre total

   • The rain knocked our picnic plans into a cocked hat.
   • His unexpected resignation knocked the project into a cocked hat.
   • The scandal knocked his reputation into a cocked hat.