cock-a-hoop

adjective

ˌkä-kə-ˈhüp 

-ˈhu̇p

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

• crank [chiefly dialect]
• crowing
• exultant
• exulting
• glorying
• jubilant
• prideful
• proud
• rejoicing
• triumphant

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

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