
IdiomBody & Senses
English
hit the wall
Meaning: To suddenly run out of energy.
Example: “I hit the wall halfway through the afternoon.”
Origin: Marathon runners' slang from the 1970s for the point when the body's energy stores run out.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Avoir un coup de pompe Literally: To take a stroke of the pump
More English idioms
- grab a bite To eat something quickly.
- like a rat in a trap Trapped with no way to escape.
- like the cat that got the cream Very pleased with oneself.
- work for peanuts To work for very little pay.
- flat out As fast or as hard as possible.
- can't carry a tune in a bucket Sings very badly.
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