Hit the road
Meaning
To begin a journey or depart from a location.
Origin
The phrase "hit the road" vividly describes the literal action of a traveler's feet or vehicle's wheels making contact with the road as a journey commences. This idiom gained widespread popularity with the rise of modern road networks and the advent of the automobile in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The word "hit" in this context implies a decisive, often energetic, and intentional movement, signaling a clear departure and the immediate start of travel. It became an instantly recognizable and punchy command to begin one's journey, encapsulating the directness and purpose of setting off.
Examples
- It's getting late; we should hit the road if we want to get there before dark.
- After a delicious breakfast, the adventurers were ready to hit the road and explore the wilderness.