hit the sack

idiom

Meaning

Go to sleep

Origin

disputed origin

Early 20th century; mattresses were once sacks stuffed with hay or straw, so going to bed was hitting the sack (compare 'hit the hay').

Examples

SIMPLE

I am very tired, so I will hit the sack now.

CONTEXTUAL

After driving for ten hours straight, the travelers were relieved to finally reach the hotel and hit the sack.

COMPLEX

Despite the urgency of the project, the exhausted architect decided to hit the sack, knowing that a few hours of rest would improve his focus the next morning.

Last updated June 7, 2026