hit the hay
Meaning
To go to bed; to go to sleep (often because you’re tired or it’s late).
Origin
From earlier times when people slept on mattresses stuffed with hay (or straw). “Hit” implies heading for or getting into the hay bed.
Notes
Casual, conversational way to say “go to bed.” Sounds friendly and informal; avoid in formal writing or professional contexts.
Examples
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I’m exhausted—I'm going to hit the hay early tonight.
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We’ve got an early flight, so let’s hit the hay soon.
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After finishing the report, she hit the hay without even checking her phone.
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If you’re feeling sick, you should hit the hay and rest.
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He hit the hay as soon as he got home from his night shift.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: hit the hay. Verb inflects (hit/hit/hitting). Often used with time cues (It’s late—let’s hit the hay) or “I’m going to hit the hay.”
Synonyms
- go to bed
- turn in
- hit the sack
- call it a night
Antonyms
- stay up
- pull an all-nighter