hit the deck

Idioms  

1. Also, hit the dirt. Fall to the ground, usually for protection. For example, As the planes approached, we hit the deck, or We heard shooting and hit the dirt. In the early 1900s the first expression was nautical slang for “jump out of bed,” or “wake up,” and somewhat later, “get going.” The current meaning dates from the 1920s.

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Example Sentences

He hit the deck again in the 12th round, but the referee ruled it a slip and Kelly rallied to end the strongest at the final bell.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Pages held on as Hernández hit the deck.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2025

There was a tense moment in the fifth when Tatis hit the deck on a high-and-tight pitch from Joe Kelly that hit the knob of the bat and sent it flying.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 4, 2023

In a frantic final round, with both boxers looking to land the telling blow, Fury hit the deck from a Paul jab.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2023

He heard his pocket watch hit the deck of the ship; and then, held upside down, he watched the watch roll merrily toward Abilene’s feet.

From "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo