down the hatch
Meaning
A toast said just before drinking, meaning “let’s drink it” or “drink it quickly,” often in a cheerful, informal way.
Origin
Sailors used “hatch” for a ship’s opening; the joke is that the drink goes “down” through the hatch (throat) into the body. It became a casual toast meaning “drink up.”
Notes
Cheerful, informal toast meaning “drink up,” sometimes implying a quick or one-go drink. Can sound pushy; avoid in formal or sensitive drinking contexts.
Examples
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It’s a bit bitter, but down the hatch—take it like medicine.
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Everyone raised their glasses, and with a laugh he said, “Down the hatch!”
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The smoothie looked strange, but she shrugged and sent it down the hatch.
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I’m nervous about the shot, but okay—down the hatch.
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We clinked cans at the campsite, then down the hatch went the first sip.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Used as a fixed phrase, usually standalone as a toast (“Down the hatch!”). Often with an exclamation. Rarely inflected; sometimes preceded by “and” (“and down the hatch”).
Synonyms
- cheers
- bottoms up
- drink up
Antonyms
- sip slowly
- take your time