What it means
A hat trick is three of the same big scoring thing in one game or tight spell, usually three goals in football, but also three wickets, tries, home runs, whatever fits the sport. People stretch it outside sport too for any neat run of three wins in a row. It sounds pleased with itself, but not unbearably so.
Usage examples
"Gaz bagged a hat trick at five-a-side, then strutted into the chippy like Messi, ordering gravy like it was a trophy presentation."
"He bagged a hat-trick in the second half and the away end completely lost it, scarves everywhere."
"Three job offers in one week, that’s a proper hat-trick, time to celebrate before you pick one."
"Nina pulled a hat trick on deadline day, signed three clients before anyone had finished their first coffee."
"You got a flat white, a free pastry, and the train turned up on time? That’s a commuter hat trick, mate."
Where it comes from
It comes from cricket in the 1800s. When a bowler took three wickets with three consecutive balls, it was such a standout feat that fans would sometimes chip in to buy him a hat. The prize part died off, but the name stuck and spread far beyond cricket into other sports and everyday chat.
