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Glite Dictionary
to hit the rocks

to hit the rocks

1 7.4
Start having serious problems that lead to failure
  • idiom
  • Informal
translation icon : 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

to tumble
vsto hit the rocks
28 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 rock bottom
vsto hit the rocks
  • Informal
22 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 hit bottom
vsto hit the rocks
21 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 the wall
vsto hit the rocks
12 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 fall flat on one's face
vsto hit the rocks
  • Informal
5 7.1

To fail completely and feel embarrassed in front of others

focuses on serious problems and possible collapse rather than only embarrassment
off a cliff
vsto hit the rocks
  • Informal
5 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 a rough patch
vsto hit the rocks
5 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 crater
vsto hit the rocks
  • Informal
4 6.3

To fall suddenly and a lot in value or reputation

describes serious problems leading to collapse, not only sharp decline
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 the bottom falls out of
vsto hit the rocks
  • Informal
1 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 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

Antonyms

to succeed
846 2.0

To reach a goal after trying hard

to thrive
241 3.2

To grow well and be successful

How Troubled

to collapse
579 3.9
to fall apart
  • Informal
193 4.2
to hit the rocks
  • Informal
1 7.4
to hit a snag
  • Informal
5 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'.