Phrasal verb
hit for
Definition
phrasal verb. to ask someone for a specific amount of money, usually as a loan or a favor.
phrasal verb. to solicit a specific sum of money from someone; typically used in informal contexts regarding loans, requests for financial assistance, or unexpected charges.
Examples
“He hit me for twenty dollars to buy lunch.”
“After the car broke down, the mechanic hit them for five hundred dollars in repairs.”
“The local charity hit the wealthy donor for a substantial contribution to the new wing, knowing his penchant for public philanthropy.”
Examples
simple
“He hit me for twenty dollars to buy lunch.”
contextual
“After the car broke down, the mechanic hit them for five hundred dollars in repairs.”
complex
“The local charity hit the wealthy donor for a substantial contribution to the new wing, knowing his penchant for public philanthropy.”
Usage
The person being asked is the direct object, followed by 'for' and the amount.
Teaching tip
This is a highly idiomatic phrasal verb; contrast it with 'ask for' to show how 'hit for' implies a more sudden or targeted request.
Pitfall
He hit for me ten pounds.
He hit me for ten pounds.
The person being asked must come immediately after the verb 'hit'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
for
Separability
separable
Pattern
hit + object + for + amount
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/hit-for