hit the road

Idioms  

1. Also, hit the trail. Set out, as on a trip. For example, Come on, it's time to hit the road, or Jack hit the trail at dawn. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

In “Weren’t for the Wind,” her second top 40 hit, she’s addicted to leaving, trampling promises underfoot in her haste to hit the road.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

More electric cars will hit the road in the coming years, even with demand slowing, the charging companies say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The RAC said the worst time to travel on Wednesday is from 1pm to 7pm as millions hit the road to get home before Christmas Day on Thursday, with delays expected on major routes.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

That would represent a 2.2% increase over last year, when a record 119.7 million travelers hit the road or took to the skies for the holidays.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

I fed Charley, gave him a limited promenade, and hit the road.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck