Hit the sack
/hɪt ðə sæk/
Definition
The meaning: Hit the sack is an idiomatic expression meaning to go to bed or go to sleep. It's an informal way of saying someone is going to sleep, often implying they're tired or it's late.
La signification: L'expression hit the sack est utilisée pour désigner l'action de se rendre au lit pour dormir. Elle est souvent employée de manière décontractée pour indiquer qu'une personne est prête à se reposer après une longue journée.
Note: This phrase originates from the early 20th century when "sack" was slang for bed, referring to the sacks filled with straw or hay that were used as mattresses.
Word Analysis
French equivalents
» Aller au pieu
» Aller au dodo
» Se mettre au lit
» Aller se coucher
A: Il est minuit, je vais aller au pieu.
B: Oui, c'est l'heure d'aller dormir !
English synonyms » Go to bed » Turn in » Hit the hay » Crash (slang) A: I'm exhausted after that long day. I'm going to hit the sack. B: Good idea, it's been a tiring day for everyone.
Dialogue
Thabo: "I can barely keep my eyes open after that long shift." Lerato: "You should just hit the sack early tonight." Thabo: "I think I will. I'm completely exhausted." Lerato: "Good idea. Tomorrow's another busy day."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase "hit the sack" meaning to go to bed originated in early 20th century America. It comes from military slang, where "sack" referred to the simple beds or sleeping bags used by soldiers, often made of rough sackcloth material. The verb "hit" in this context means "to go to" or "to take to," similar to other expressions like "hit the road." By the 1940s, the phrase had entered general colloquial use, often appearing alongside its variant "hit the hay," referencing the straw-filled mattresses common in earlier times.
Audience
The phrase "hit the sack" is a widely used informal expression in American English, meaning to go to bed or get some sleep. It’s a casual, playful way to talk about resting, likely rooted in old slang where "sack" referred to a bed or mattress. You’ll hear it in everyday chats, especially when someone’s tired and ready to call it a night.
When to use: Use hit the sack when you want to describe going to bed in a relaxed, conversational tone. For example: "I’m beat—I’m going to hit the sack early tonight," or "After that long day, he just wanted to hit the sack." It’s best kept to informal settings like talking with friends or in laid-back writing, not in formal or professional contexts.
Dictionary Meaning
Cambridge says the expression means "to go to bed in order to sleep." Here's a provided example of use:
'I’ve got a busy day tomorrow, so I think I’ll hit the sack.'
News Snippet
'Now, as then, their lives are dictated by the weather. In summer their days can start as early as 2am to get the boat and crew to the beach, pre-dawn, to launch. Some nights, by the time boat and crew and catch are home and dry and sorted and they’re ready to hit the sack, it’s 11pm. "After a few days of four hours sleep, it hits you," he laughs. Affable. Candid.'
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
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Common Idioms & Expressions
Hit the Sack!
An expression meaning to go to bed or to sleep.
Example: "I’m exhausted; I think I’ll hit the sack early tonight."
Hit the Hay!
A phrase used to indicate that someone is going to bed.
Example: "After a long day, I’m ready to hit the hay."
Call It a Night!
An expression used when deciding to stop working or socialising for the evening.
Example: "It’s getting late; let’s call it a night."
Turn In!
A phrase meaning to go to bed or to submit something (like an assignment).
Example: "I need to turn in my report and then turn in for the night."
Get Some Shut-Eye!
An informal way to say that someone is going to sleep.
Example: "I’m going to get some shut-eye before the big day tomorrow."
Catch Some Z's!
A casual expression meaning to sleep.
Example: "I need to catch some Z's before my early meeting."
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