hitting wall
Momentum suddenly stops
Hitting wall describes the moment when physical or mental resources suddenly deplete, especially during endurance activities.
Runners hit the wall when glycogen stores empty and continuing becomes agonizing.
The phrase extends beyond athletics to any situation where sustained effort meets abrupt exhaustion: I was writing fine until 2 a.m., then I hit the wall.
Also hitting a wall.
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- stuckUnable to move
- mental blockInability to retrieve thoughts
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
blocked · dead end · end of the road · limit · glass ceiling · impasse · crash · thud · impact · exhaustion · running on empty · burnout · plateau · brick · concrete · slam · banging head · breaking point
- hardshipshardship, adversity, struggle, misfortune, difficulties
- Tennis Resortstennis courts, clay courts, hard courts, grass courts, pro shop
- courtsfamily court, civil court, district court, criminal court, circuit court
- figurative actionsburning bridges, biting tongue, burying hatchet, cutting ties, jumping ship
- predicamentspredicament, dilemma, bind, pickle, pinch
- slumpsslump, lull, losing streak, cold streak, rut
hitting wallbreakthrough
Sudden important advance
breaking through · making headway · smooth sailing · on a roll · cruising
hitting wallsecond wind
Renewed energy after fatigue
energy surge · runner's high · peak performance · full of energy · adrenaline rush