Our project hit the buffers when we ran out of money.
hit the buffers
idiomTo stop suddenly and unexpectedly.
The negotiations were going well until they hit the buffers over a disagreement about the final price.
Despite the initial momentum of the reform movement, the legislation hit the buffers when the opposition party refused to support the new budget.
- 01
don't let the door hit you on the way out
Used as a command to leave in haste, or to indicate that one is glad, or at least unmoved, to see the addressed person leaving.
- 02
fall out of the ugly tree and hit every branch
To become extremely unattractive.
- 03
hit a lick
To earn a large sum of money in a short amount of time, usually illegally.
- 04
hit a snag
To encounter an unexpected problem or delay.
- 05
hit a wall
To come up against an insurmountable problem.
- 06
hit above one's weight
Alternative form of punch above one's weight.
- 07
hit and run
A road accident in which a driver hits someone and then drives away without stopping to help or take responsibility.
- 08
hit below one's weight
Alternative form of punch below one's weight.
Last updated April 17, 2026