The phrase "hung up hat" is made up of three words, with the first two forming a phrasal verb. The word "hung" is pronounced /hʌŋ/ in IPA phonetic transcription, and is the past tense of the verb "hang". Meanwhile, "up" is pronounced /ʌp/ and functions as an adverb in this context. Finally, "hat" is pronounced /hæt/, and refers to a head covering. Together, the phrase means to hang one's hat on a hook or rack.
Hung up hat is an idiom that refers to the act of settling down or establishing a residence in a particular place or location. The phrase often conveys a sense of permanence or attachment to a specific area, indicating that someone has decided to make it their home or base of operations. The term derives from the imagery of someone hanging their hat on a hook, signifying that they have chosen a place to stay.
When someone says they have hung up their hat, they are essentially stating that they have found a place where they feel comfortable and secure. It implies a level of contentment and stability in one's living situation. This idiom is commonly used to describe individuals who have decided to settle down in a particular town, city, or country, indicating a preference for that location over others.
"Hung up hat" can also metaphorically represent the act of retiring or leaving a profession or career that one has been involved in for a long time. In this context, it signifies the end of one's journey or involvement in a particular field or line of work, suggesting that they have decided to permanently step away from it and move on to other pursuits.
Overall, "hung up hat" portrays the idea of finding a place to call home or establishing oneself in a specific location, as well as the notion of concluding a long-standing career or profession.