hit the dirt

Dive for cover

Hit the dirt means to drop suddenly to the ground, typically to avoid danger such as gunfire or an explosion.

Soldiers and action-movie characters hit the dirt when bullets start flying.

The phrase can also mean to fall or dive during physical activity, as in baseball when a runner slides or a fielder dives for a catch.

More casually, it sometimes means simply to get started on hard work, especially outdoor labor.

combat

duck

Waterbird that quacks

  • coverProtect by overlaying
  • proneInclined or face-down
  • foxholeMilitary defensive excavation

trench · bunker · incoming · mortar · artillery · gunfire · ambush · sniper · crossfire · shelling

physical

fall

Descend under gravity

  • tumbleUncontrolled rolling descent
  • plungeSudden steep descent
  • diveHeadfirst water entry

drop · sprawl · collapse · stumble · trip · lunge · prone · faceplant · belly flop · skid

emergency

drop

Fall or release

danger · alarm · crisis · threat · survival · escape · evacuate · reflex · self-preservation · panic

baseball

slide

Smooth continuous movement

  • baseSupporting bottom structure
  • stealTake without permission
  • runnerOne who sprints

infield · tag · safe · out · headfirst · feet first · dive · sprint · dash · coach

ground

soil

Ground matter for planting

  • earthSoil or electrical grounding
  • dustFine settled particles
  • mudWet soil mixture

gravel · sand · turf · clay · terrain · field · ground level · surface · floor · deck

Opposites
vertical body position

hit the dirtstand tall

Maintain dignity under pressure

stand up · get up · straighten up · jump up · stand at attention

response to danger

hit the dirtstand your ground

Refuse to back down

hold your ground · charge · expose oneself · stand firm · advance

Family

hit, hits, hitting, hitter, hitters, the, dirt, dirty, dirtier

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G