Top 20 English Idioms with ‘Hit’ and their meaning
There are several idioms. Using idioms are fairly common in English and can be seen in everyday conversation. It will help you to improve your vocabulary. Most of the time we hear English idioms with hit.
Today, let’s learn 20 common English idioms that start with “Hit.” First of all, let us see the definition of English idioms.
Definition
“An idiom is an expression or a phrase that has a particular meaning which is different from the meaning of the individual words”
English Popular ‘Hit’ Idioms and Expression
Let’s have a look at few examples of “hit idioms” which are given below and marked as bold for easy identification:
- We should hit the road or else we’ll be late to get home.
- Your exam is round the corner, you must hit the books.
- I always hit the sack early.
- Top 20 English Idioms with ‘Hit’ and Examples
List of the Top 20 English Idioms with ‘Hit’- Meaning and Examples
1. Hit the books
to start studying or to study hard
Examples:
- If you don’t hit the books this week, you won’t pass next week’s exam.
- Don’t waste time, hit the books.
2. Hit the jackpot
to achieve a great success or to win a lot of money.
Examples:
- You got a job working for that company! Wow you really hit the jackpot!
- Yesterday, you’d participated in the lottery contest, and you won! That’s great you hit the jackpot.
3 Hit the road
to leave a place, to depart or begin a journey.
Examples:
- We will visit again. It’s time to hit the road.
- A car met with an accident and the driver of the car hit the road.
4 Hit the ceiling / roof
to become furious (very angry) or indignant.
Examples:
- Your boss is going to hit the ceiling when he finds out your mistakes!
- His sister broke the flower vase if his mother came to know about it, she will start hitting the roof.
5 Hit the sack / hay
to go to bed or to go to sleep.
Examples:
- I have to get up early tomorrow, so I’d better hit the sack.
- I worked today a lot, so I need to hit the hay now!
6. Hit the Wall
To face a sudden problem or barrier that stops progress.
Examples:
- I was writing answers smoothly, but now I have hit a wall due to the next hard question.
- She was learning French really well, but now she has hit a wall with grammar.
7. Hit it big
to have great success or extraordinary achievement
Examples:
- The singer was popular in his hometown, but he really hit it big when he moved to New York/ USA.
- That cobbler used to mend the shoes in the street, but he is a president now. Wow, He hit it big!
8. Hit and run
To do something quickly, carelessly, or irresponsibly, and then leave immediately without dealing with the results. (e.g., to cause an incident and run away)
Examples:
- He noticed that the hit and run driver had a red car.
- She was badly injured in a hit and run accident.
9. Hit the brakes
To slow down or to stop
Examples:
- Let’s hit the brakes on this project. It’s not going well.
- Our car is going 200 kph so we must hit the brakes.
10. Hit out of the park
to do something very well or extraordinary
Examples:
- Was my presentation good? You hit it out of the park!
- My boss loved my project, so I hit out of the park.
11. Hit it Off
to become friend very quickly or to have a connection immediately.
Example:
- It’s a great fun day today. We really hit it off.
- Does she hit it off?
12. To be a Hit
to become extremely popular (Generally, we use this idiom for music or films).
Examples:
- That’s a hit film.
- I don’t think this music will be Hit!
13. Hit the nail on the head
to be correct or to be absolutely right.
Examples:
- When you said that my car needed a new battery, you hit the nail on the head.
- She really hit the nail on the head about exams.
14. Hit the mark
to be accurate, successful or to reach a goal. It is mostly used to achieve a goal or providing a suitable solution.
Examples:
- She is an amazing dancer, every year she hits the mark in the contest.
- I know you can definitely hit the mark!
15. Hit the Spot
to be exactly right, or to give total satisfaction. to be exactly what is wanted or needed.
It means something that satisfies a need or desire. It can be anything such as food, drink, entertainment, activities and so on.
Examples:
- This bread really hit the spot after a long day at work.
- Going for a walk this morning hit the spot and gave me the energy that I needed for the day.
16. Hit the ground running
Meaning-to start doing something new with great energy and skills without any extra training.
Examples:
- She has less time for the project. Is she ready to hit the ground running?
- I’m always ready to hit the ground running!
17. Hit the deck
To drop to the ground quickly, usually to avoid danger or prepare for action.
Examples:
- I slipped on the ice and really hit the deck hard!
- The coach blew the whistle, and the players hit the deck to start push-ups.
18. Hit the town
to go out and have a good time or fun, usually by visiting places like restaurants, or events.
Examples:
- We’re going to hit the town tonight and celebrate your birthday!
- Last weekend, have you hit the town?
19. Hit the headlines
to become the subject of major news stories—often due to something surprising, shocking, or important.
Examples:
- The celebrity hit the headlines after the surprise wedding.
- That company hit the headlines for launching a groundbreaking product.
20. Hit the nerve
To say something that upsets or affects someone emotionally.
Examples:
- His joke about weight really hit a nerve with the audience.
- When she mentioned his old job, she clearly hit a nerve—he got quiet abruptly.
21. Hit the someplace (like gym, road, beach)
To go to a place (like the gym, road, or beach) to start doing something, usually physical or planned.
Examples:
- Let’s hit the beach this weekend and enjoy the sun.
- It’s time to hit the road—we’ve got a long drive ahead.
