Phrasal verb
hit up on
Definition
phrasal verb. to suddenly think of a great idea or find a solution to a problem.
phrasal verb. to discover or formulate a solution, idea, or plan, often by chance or sudden realization; a less common variant of 'hit on' or 'hit upon'.
Examples
“We finally hit up on a plan to save money.”
“After hours of brainstorming, the team hit up on the perfect name for the new product.”
“The researchers hit up on a novel methodology that allowed them to bypass the previous technical limitations of the study.”
Examples
simple
“We finally hit up on a plan to save money.”
contextual
“After hours of brainstorming, the team hit up on the perfect name for the new product.”
complex
“The researchers hit up on a novel methodology that allowed them to bypass the previous technical limitations of the study.”
Usage
usually followed by an idea, plan, or solution as the object.
Teaching tip
this is a rarer variation of 'hit upon' or 'hit on'; advise students that 'hit on' is more common for ideas, while 'hit on someone' has a romantic meaning.
Pitfall
They hit up on the door.
They hit the door.
'hit up on' is for ideas and discoveries, not physical contact with an object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
hit + up + on + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/hit-up-on