The expression “hit the bricks” is an informal phrase commonly used in American English. It generally means to leave a place, often abruptly or urgently, or to start walking, especially as a form of protest or job-seeking. The phrase is often used in everyday conversation and has various nuances depending on the context.
Origin of the Expression
The phrase “hit the bricks” likely originates from the early 20th century. “Bricks” refer to the paved streets or sidewalks, and “hit” means to start moving or to strike. So, “hit the bricks” essentially means to step out onto the street.
Different Contexts and Examples
- Leaving a Place:
When someone says “hit the bricks” to signify leaving a place, it often implies a sense of urgency or abruptness. For instance:
- Example: “After the heated argument, he decided to hit the bricks and cool off.” In this example, the person is leaving the scene of the argument to take a walk or get some fresh air.
- Job-Seeking:
The expression is also used to refer to the act of going out to look for a job. This usage is more common in older times when job seekers would literally walk from place to place, asking for employment.
- Example: “After being laid off, she knew it was time to hit the bricks and find a new job.” Here, “hit the bricks” means to actively go out and look for job opportunities.
- Protesting:
In the context of protests, “hit the bricks” means to take to the streets to demonstrate or rally.
- Example: “The workers decided to hit the bricks to protest for better wages.” This example shows people stepping out onto the streets to make their voices heard.
Nuances and Usage
The phrase carries a certain tone that can range from casual to slightly aggressive, depending on how it’s used. It’s not a formal expression and is often found in colloquial speech. Here are a few more examples to illustrate its versatility:
- Casual Departure:
- “I’ve been here long enough, time to hit the bricks and head home.” This example is a casual way of saying that someone is leaving for home.
- Urgent Need to Leave:
- “The cops are coming! We need to hit the bricks now!” This use indicates an urgent and immediate need to leave the scene.
- Taking Action:
- “If you want to change things, you can’t just sit around. You’ve got to hit the bricks and make it happen.” This emphasizes taking action rather than remaining passive.
Modern Usage
While “hit the bricks” might sound a bit old-fashioned to some, it is still understood and occasionally used in modern speech. It’s more likely to be heard in certain regions or among older generations. However, its meaning is clear and can be easily understood in context.
Similar Expressions
There are several expressions with similar meanings to “hit the bricks”:
- Hit the road: This phrase also means to leave or start a journey.
- “It’s getting late, we should hit the road.”
- Pound the pavement: Often used to describe job-hunting efforts.
- “After graduating, he spent months pounding the pavement before landing a job.”
- Take to the streets: Typically used in the context of protests.
- “The citizens took to the streets to demand justice.”
Conclusion
“Hit the bricks” is a versatile expression with roots in American English. It signifies leaving a place, seeking employment, or participating in protests, depending on the context. While it might be considered somewhat old-fashioned, it remains a vivid and useful phrase in conveying the idea of taking action, whether by walking away, searching for opportunities, or demonstrating in the streets. Understanding this phrase and its various uses can enrich one’s grasp of colloquial English and add color to everyday conversations.
