hit the trail
Begin a hike
Hit the trail means to leave or set out on a journey.
The phrase evokes travelers departing on a path: We should hit the trail before sunrise.
It often signals departure more generally: Thanks for dinner, but I'd better hit the trail.
The tone is casual and slightly rustic.
- get goingCommence motion or activity
- hit the pavementActively seek employment outdoors
- head outBegin one's departure
- packGroup or compress
- pathRoute for traveling
depart · make tracks · strike out · set out · climb · wilderness · trek · begin · pioneering · break camp · beaten path · dirt · embark · journey · wanderlust · dusty · outdoors · hit the bricks
- Wild Westcowboy, howdy, sheriff, giddyup, lawmen
- Horse Idiomshold your horses, dark horse, high horse, straight from the horse's mouth, horse sense
- Old Westcowboy, cowboys, cowgirl, sheriff, sheriffs
movement vs. staying
hit the trailstay put
Remain in place
stick around · remain · settle in · stay · hang around
beginning vs. ending a journey
hit the trailcall it a day
Cease work for now
wrap up · turn back · hang up one's boots · pack it in · come to rest
trail, hike, hiking, hitting, trailer, hits, trailing, trails, hiker