Idiom: hit the pavement

Meaning

Idiom: hit the pavement

To start walking or running on the street or sidewalk.
To take action or work on a task or goal.

Notes:

The idiom "hit the pavement" is a way of saying that someone is going to start doing something with determination and energy.

The word "pavement," refers to the hard surface of a road or sidewalk. So "hitting" the pavement is creating the image of someone's feet striking the pavement again and again. This implies the person is walking quickly or perhaps running in a way that is intentional and determined to get to a particular place.

When people use this phrase, they mean they will take action or start working on a task or goal. It's a metaphorical expression that emphasizes being proactive and putting effort into what they want to achieve.

The idiom "pound the pavement" has a very close meaning so several examples below include that version. The act of "pounding" something is to strike something again and again, which as noted above, creates an image of feet striking the pavement repeatedly.

Example sentences

— I’ve been hitting the pavement for six months and still haven’t had one interview.

— I had to pound the pavement for almost a year before I got this job.

— Can you imagine being a salesman and having to pound the pavement every day?

— To get to know my constituents, I hit the pavement for almost two years passing out brochures and talking to people.

— When I was a girl scout we used to hit the pavement to sell cookies but now daughter's troop just sets up a table outside our grocery store.

— The entrepreneur hit the pavement, pitching his innovative idea to potential investors.

— It's time to stop procrastinating and hit the pavement, taking steps toward your English language goals.

— When the power went out, the whole neighborhood hit the pavement to figure out what happened.

— The detective hit the pavement to gather clues and solve the mysterious case.

— We're running late for the meeting, so let's hit the pavement and catch a cab.

— The charity organization hit the pavement to raise funds for rescued dogs and cats in the city.

— Lisa was determined to lose weight, so she hit the pavement and started running regularly.

— After a week of procrastination, I finally hit the pavement and started working on my essay.

— Sarah decided to hit the pavement and network with professionals in her industry.

— The aspiring musician hit the pavement, performing at local gigs to gain exposure.

— The writer faced rejection but continued to hit the pavement, seeking publishing opportunities.

— Jane's car broke down, so she had to hit the pavement and walk the remaining distance to work.

Synonyms: (express taking action)

get the ball rolling
roll up one's sleeves
dive in
jump-start
buckle down
put one's nose to the grindstone
get cracking
take the bull by the horns

Antonyms: (express avoiding action)

drag one's feet
take it easy
put off
kick the can down the road
go with the flow
coast along
hang back

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