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Reference : Idioms : American : hit the hay | hit the sack

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hit the hay | hit the sack American English

Meaning: If you hit the hay, or hit the sack, you go to bed.

For example:

  • It's after midnight so it's time I hit the hay.

  • You look really tired. What time did you hit the sack last night?

Origin: Probably related to the fact that in the U.S.A. in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century mattresses often consisted of old sacks filled with hay or straw.

Variety: This idiom is typically used in American English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz:

I'd better hit the hay. I have to
  1. finish this job right now
  2. feed the horses
  3. get up early in the morning

Discuss: hit the hay | hit the sack

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