hit the dirt

"Hit the dirt" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in informal contexts, often depicting sudden actions to avoid danger.

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Definition

B2General

(informal, slang)To drop to the ground quickly, usually to avoid danger.

Example

When the explosions started, everyone hit the dirt to stay safe.

B2Military

(informal, slang)To fall to the ground abruptly to evade gunfire or other threats.

Example

The soldiers hit the dirt as soon as they heard the enemy fire.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hit the dirt":

throw dirt throw dirt on eat dirt hit the pavement go to ground hit the bricks head for the hills hit the rock beat the dust lick the dust hit the road get down go underground fall to the ground hit it hit the streets take a dive kick up dust hit the shower hit the roof duck down dig down touch grass get down on hit out hunker down hit the rack kick into the long grass dig in bite the dust hit with get off the ground eat someone's dust hit the gas dirt track take a tumble