ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hit up on

phr. v..
C1 Advanced Oxford

phr. v.. to suddenly think of a great idea or find a solution to a problem.

phr. v.. 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'.


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.

Particles
up on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
hit + up + on + object
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.

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