Idiom B1 Informal

Hit the road

To leave; to start a journey; to get going

Meaning

Hit the road — To leave a place; to begin a journey or trip; to depart and get going. Used when someone is setting off or saying it is time to go.

Origin & History

This is an American English idiom that emerged in the early 20th century, coinciding with the rapid spread of automobile culture and road travel across the United States. The image behind the phrase is literal: a traveller's wheels or feet physically striking the road surface as they set off. It gained further cultural traction through the Beat Generation writers of the 1950s, who celebrated life on the open road, and later through popular music — most notably Ray Charles's 1960 hit "Hit the Road Jack."

Today the phrase is used across the English-speaking world to mean simply "leave" or "start travelling," often with a sense of energy and readiness to go.

Example Sentences

ContextSentence
Planning a departure timeWe need to hit the road by 7 a.m. if we want to beat the traffic.
Saying goodbye after a visitIt was great seeing you, but I should hit the road — it's a long drive home.
Encouraging someone to leaveCome on, let's hit the road before it gets dark.
Starting a road tripThey loaded the car, grabbed some snacks, and hit the road.
Informal farewellThanks for dinner! Time for us to hit the road.
Narrative travel writingAfter weeks of planning, she finally hit the road and headed west.

How to Use It

Informal. Most natural in casual spoken English when talking about leaving a place or starting a journey. It works equally well for short trips (leaving someone's house) and long ones (beginning a road trip). The phrase is typically used in the imperative ("Let's hit the road") or as a statement about intention ("We're going to hit the road early"). Avoid it in formal writing or professional emails.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

It's time to hit a road.

It's time to hit the road. — Always use the definite article "the", not "a".

We hit the road Jack early in the morning.

We hit the road early in the morning. — "Jack" is part of a song title, not part of the idiom itself.

She hitted the road at dawn.

She hit the road at dawn. — "Hit" is an irregular verb; past tense is "hit", not "hitted".

Similar Idioms

Hit the trail On the road Get going Head out All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Hit the road" mean?
"Hit the road" means to leave, to start a journey, or to get going. It is used when someone is departing or setting off on a trip.
Where does the idiom "Hit the road" come from?
The phrase is an American English idiom from the early 20th century. It refers to the physical act of a traveller hitting or striking the road surface as they begin to travel. It became widely popular in American culture, especially with the rise of road trips and car travel.
Can you give an example of "Hit the road" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "We need to hit the road by 7 a.m. if we want to beat the traffic." — used when planning a departure time.
Is "Hit the road" formal or informal?
Informal. It is most common in casual spoken English and informal writing. Avoid it in formal business communication or academic writing.
What CEFR level is "Hit the road"?
This idiom is typically taught at B1 level. It is an intermediate expression that is widely used in everyday spoken English and is accessible to learners beyond beginner stage.
What are common mistakes with "Hit the road"?
A common mistake is omitting or changing the article. Always say "hit the road", not "hit a road" or "hit road". Another error is using the wrong past tense: the correct form is "hit" (not "hitted"), as it is an irregular verb.
What idioms are similar to "Hit the road"?
Similar idioms include: Hit the trail, Head out, Get going, Be on your way. These all express the idea of leaving or starting a journey but may differ slightly in tone or setting.
How do I practise idioms like "Hit the road"?
LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try writing your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and everyday conversations.
Can "Hit the road" be used in writing?
Yes, but only in informal writing such as travel blogs, personal emails, or social media posts. Avoid it in formal or academic writing. The idiom works best in spoken English and casual contexts.
Does "Hit the road" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "Hit the road" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: to leave or start a journey. Although it originated in American English, it is widely recognised across all major English-speaking countries.