hit the wall

phrase

1

: to reach the point of physical exhaustion during strenuous activity

2

: to reach a limiting point or situation at which progress or success ceases

Examples of hit the wall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All that in August of his first full professional season — a time when most pro-ball rookies have hit the wall. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

As the veteran approached a braking zone, the rear of his car stepped out and hit the wall, which ultimately left him stranded in the run-off area just ten minutes into the session. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2026

The rear end of Reddick’s car slid entering Turn 1, and Reddick ran into Jones before hitting the wall. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Allmendinger blew a tire and hit the wall with 25 laps remaining to cause another caution. — CBS News, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hit the wall

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol