Hit the road
/hΙͺt Γ°Ι roΚd/informalUK Β· US Β· AU Β· IE Β· CA
What does βHit the roadβ mean?
Hit the road means to leave a place or begin a journey.
This phrase means to depart from a place or begin traveling. People often say it right before they get into a car to drive, but you can use it anytime you are getting ready to leave.
It is a friendly and casual expression. You can use it with friends, family, or coworkers, but it is too informal for serious professional writing.
When do people say it?
People say this when they need to depart, especially before a long drive or when a visit is ending.
βIt is getting late, so we should hit the road before the traffic gets bad.β
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US and AU and IE and CA.
Where does it come from?
The phrase developed in late 19th-century American English, describing feet or wheels touching the ground as travel starts. It became globally popular in the 20th century through blues and rock music.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say βHit the roadβ in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11