# hit the sack

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hit-the-sack
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

Go to sleep

## Examples

- I am very tired, so I will hit the sack now.
- After driving for ten hours straight, the travelers were relieved to finally reach the hotel and hit the sack.
- 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.

## 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'). (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.