Hit the road

Meaning

The idiom "hit the road" means to leave or start going somewhere, usually to travel for a short distance. It can also mean to begin doing something or starting a task. The idiom is commonly used in English language, especially in informal contexts.

Usage

• I'm going to hit the road early tomorrow morning to catch up with my friends.
• She said she was hitting the road to attend a conference in a different city.
• The company is planning to hit the road to expand its business in new markets.
• We need to hit the road if we want to make it to the concert on time.
• He's been working so hard and finally decided to take a break and hit the road for a little vacation.

Roots and History

The exact origin of the idiom "hit the road" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the mid-19th century. The earliest known uses of the phrase can be found in popular literature and music of the time. One theory suggests that the phrase comes from the early days of travel when horseback riders would hit their horses with rods to get them moving. Another theory is that it comes from the practice of hitting a ball on the road with a bat in baseball games. Over time, the meaning and usage of the idiom have evolved as English language has evolved. Today, "hit the road" is commonly used in informal contexts and can be found in various forms of media such as music, movies, and TV shows.

Synonyms in English

• Leave/go
• Depart/travel
• Set off/start out
• Embark on/begin
• Commence/initiate

Synonyms in other languages

• French: partir (to leave, depart)
• Spanish: salir (to leave, exit)
• German: abreisen (to depart, travel)
• Italian: partire (to leave, depart)
• Portuguese: sair (to leave, exit)

Similar Idioms

• at the helm

• act of God

• as for