English Reference

Phrasal verb

hit up

Definitions

01to contact someone

B2

phr.v. to get in touch with someone, usually to ask for something or to make a plan.

phr.v. to contact or communicate with a person, typically with a specific intent or request.

“Hit me up later if you want to go to the cinema tonight.”

“I told him to hit me up once he had the final figures so we could finalize the contract.”

Informal · American English

Usage

Transitive; the object often sits between 'hit' and 'up' when it is a pronoun.

Antonyms

02to visit a place

B2

phr.v. to go to a place, like a shop, restaurant, or gym.

phr.v. to visit a specific location or establishment, often as part of a routine or social outing.

“We should hit up that new pizza place on Friday night.”

“After the conference, the team decided to hit up a local jazz club to unwind before heading back to the hotel.”

Informal · American English

Synonyms

visitgo tostop by

03to start an activity

C1

phr.v. to begin doing something or to focus on a task.

phr.v. to embark upon or devote oneself to a particular activity or task.

“I need to hit up the books if I want to pass this exam.”

“Before we head out, I really need to hit up the gym for a quick session to stay on track with my training.”

Slang · American English

Synonyms

04to ask for money

C1

phr.v. to ask someone for money or a favour.

phr.v. to request or demand money, a loan, or a significant favour from someone.

“He’s always hitting me up for five dollars every time I see him.”

“The charity representatives were hitting up commuters for donations outside the station during the morning rush hour.”

Informal · Slang

Usage

Often takes the preposition 'for' followed by the requested item.

Synonyms

05rugby move

C2 · Sport

n. a move in rugby where a player runs straight into the defenders.

n. a tactical maneuver in rugby league where a player receives the ball and runs directly into the opposition's defensive line.

“The forward made a powerful hit up to gain some ground for his team.”

“The coach emphasized the importance of a strong hit up to tire out the opposition's front line during the first half.”

Technical

Teaching tip

Explain that while 'hit up' often implies asking for something (like money), in modern digital contexts it is frequently used as a synonym for 'text me' or 'call me'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

hit + object + up

Synonyms

Antonyms

Grammar

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/hit-up

English Reference