to hit the rocks

1 7.4

Start having serious problems that lead to failure

idiom

Informal

: enfrentar problemas

When the project went over budget, it became clear they would hit the rocks if they didn't adjust their plans.
marriage hit the rocks

Examples

Their relationship began to hit the rocks after they started arguing about finances.
After all, no one would wish to see the old ship hit the rocks on his or her watch.

Academic text (2000)
If their business continues to lose money, they might hit the rocks soon.

Synonyms

off a cliff

vsto hit the rocks

Informal

45 7.4

Suddenly in a way that leads to great danger or failure

describes deep serious problems or collapse, not only danger or risk

to hit bottom

vsto hit the rocks

40 5.1

Reach the lowest point after a time of trouble

often describes serious problems that cause failure rather than just the low point

to hit rock bottom

vsto hit the rocks

Informal

25 4.8

To reach the lowest point in your life before you begin to get better

refers to deep problems that may cause collapse rather than just a low point

to tumble

vsto hit the rocks

20 4.4

To fall suddenly in price or value

signals prolonged or deep trouble that often ends in collapse rather than one loss

to hit the wall

vsto hit the rocks

11 7.7

To reach a point where you cannot continue because you are very tired or stuck

describes serious problems leading to failure rather than only inability to continue

to crater

vsto hit the rocks

Informal

6 6.3

To fall suddenly and a lot in value or reputation

describes serious problems leading to collapse, not only sharp decline

to hit a rough patch

vsto hit the rocks

6 4.8

To go through a short time with problems after a good time

describes more severe problems often causing collapse rather than a short difficult period

to the bottom falls out of

vsto hit the rocks

Informal

3 8.2

Suddenly become much worse or fail after being stable

describes serious problems that may lead to failure rather than only sudden collapse

to hit the skids

vsto hit the rocks

Informal

3 8.4

Start to fail after a time of success

implies severe problems causing collapse rather than an initial decline

to hit the buffers

vsto hit the rocks

Literature

8.4

Suddenly stop or fail because of a big problem

describes deep problems that often cause collapse rather than just stopping

to fall flat on one's face

vsto hit the rocks

Informal

7.1

To fail completely and feel embarrassed in front of others

focuses on serious problems and possible collapse rather than only embarrassment

Antonyms

to succeed

827 2.0

To reach a goal after trying hard

to thrive

233 3.2

To grow well and be successful

How Troubled

to collapse

645 3.9

to fall apart

Informal

152 4.2

to hit the rocks

Informal

1 7.4

to hit a snag

Informal

8 5.5

Surface Forms

hit the rocks infinitive

hit the rocks past

hit the rocks past participle

hitting the rocks present participle

hits the rocks third person singular

Morphology

hit + the + rocks

The expression evokes the concrete image of striking rocks (a boat wrecking), so knowing 'hit' and 'rocks' should allow learners to infer a sense of encountering serious obstacles or damage. However, mapping that image to the extended meanings (failure of a relationship or enterprise) requires a metaphorical transfer that is not fully predictable for a B1 learner without exposure, so it is only partially transparent.

Etymology

The idiom hit the rocks may come from boats: when a ship hit the rocks, it was badly damaged and could sink, creating a strong picture of disaster. So today the phrase means 'to be in serious trouble' or 'to fail'.