make a hit
Idioms-
Also, be a hit . Achieve (or be) a success, especially a popular one, as in She made a big hit in this performance , or In out-of-town tryouts the play was already a hit . This seemingly modern term, which transfers the literal meaning of hit as “a stroke or blow,” has been around since the early 1800s. It was used then, as now, for theatrical performances, books, songs, and the like
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In underworld slang, commit a murder, as in Known for his deadly accuracy, he was about to make his third hit . This usage also has been extended to such terms as hit list , a roster of persons to be killed, and hit man , a killer who is usually hired by someone else. [Second half of 1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"He said to me, 'I'm going to make a hit record with you', and then he told other people we were going to do an album," says the singer.
From BBC • Sep. 23, 2025
“So it’s also a nice subtle reminder to myself like, ‘Man, every play is somebody’s opportunity to either make a hit or take a hit,‘” he said.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2024
Bolden, a seventh-round pick from Jackson State, appeared to collide with teammate Calvin Munson while attempting to make a hit on a pass completion to Green Bay’s Malik Heath.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 19, 2023
But he's ready to throw a ton of money her way to make a hit.
From Salon • May 1, 2023
“That will make a hit with me, Mrs. Rogers,” said Hall, joining in her laugh.
From The Brute by Kummer, Frederic Arnold
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
