hɪt ðə roʊd
Travel
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- To strike the road surface
What does "hit the road" mean?
- To leave or depart on a journey
- To begin traveling
Examples
- We need to hit the road early tomorrow morning.
- It's time to hit the road if we want to avoid traffic.
- After saying goodbye, they hit the road.
Origin
American expression from the early 20th century, possibly from hobo culture. The 'road' represents travel and adventure.
How to use it
Casual way to announce departure. Often implies a journey rather than a short trip.
Similar expressions
set off
depart
leave
get going
Opposites
stay put
remain
settle in
Related idioms
- in the same boat
In the same difficult situation as someone else
- miss the boat
To miss an opportunity
- go the extra mile
to make more effort than is expected or required
- a long way to go
much more work or progress is needed before completion
- that ship has sailed
The opportunity has passed
- on the right track
making progress in the correct direction
Use it in a practice answer
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