hit the sack

/hɪt ðə sæk/◆idiom

go to sleep

I'm exhausted after work; I think I'll hit the sack early tonight.

The speaker is expressing their intention to go to sleep soon.

◆ What It Really Means

To go to sleep, often emphasizing the action of lying down in bed.

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically strike or move towards a sack.

Literal Breakdown

hitto strike or move towards+the sacka bag filled with soft material, used as a bed

◇ Mental Image

The mental picture is of someone lying down forcefully or decisively into a sack (old-fashioned mattress), symbolizing the act of going to sleep.

◈ When to Use

Imagine a group of friends at a sleepover. One of them yawns and says, 'I'm so tired; I think I'll hit the sack.' They mean they are going to sleep, not that they are attacking a sack.

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects the informal, conversational style of English, particularly in American culture where such phrases are common in everyday speech.

informal

to go to bed and sleep

After finishing the movie, we decided to hit the sack.

They chose to go to sleep after the movie ended.

It's past midnight; I'm going to hit the sack.

The speaker is announcing their plan to sleep.

Commonly used in casual conversation among friends or family.

Collocations

hit the sack earlygo to sleep sooner than usualhit the sack latego to sleep later than planned

Synonyms

go to bed turn in hit the hay hit the pillow call it a night

Antonyms

stay up pull an all-nighter

Related Phrases

hit the hayidiom

to go to sleep

turn inphrasal verb

to go to bed

call it a nightidiom

to stop an activity for the rest of the night, often to sleep

Pro Tip

When to use 'hit the sack'

Use this phrase when speaking casually with friends or family about going to sleep. Avoid using it in professional or formal settings.

Gold Rule

Idiom vs. Literal Meaning

Never interpret 'hit the sack' literally. It does not involve physical violence or sacks; it simply means to go to sleep.

Word Origin

The phrase 'hit the sack' dates back to the early 20th century, originating from the literal act of lying down on a sack filled with straw or other materials used as a mattress. Over time, 'sack' evolved to metaphorically represent a bed.

Usage Notes

This idiom is informal and should be avoided in formal contexts. It is widely understood in American and British English.

Word Breakdown

hit

to strike or move towards

verb

the sack

a bed (metaphorically)

noun phrase

English Dictionary

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