Hit the tape

USAGE SUMMARY

"Hit the tape" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean the same as "finish" or "reach the end," especially when discussing athletics or other physical activities. For example, "The runner hit the tape with only a few seconds to spare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Kibet hit the tape in 2 hours 15 minutes 59 seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

Serena broke her in the third game, when Venus's backhand hit the tape but bounded backward.

The New York Times - Sports

The new offer hit the tape just as the Super Bowl started.

The New York Times

I remember at 3-2, hithit a drop shot backhand which hit the tape.

The Guardian - Sport

He can't recover the ground, and hit the tape several metres behind his younger brother.

The Guardian - Sport

ANOTHER FALSE START Hear the Echo and Mon Mome hit the tape before the horses are called back.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"The markets on Wednesday reacted to every bit of information that hit the tapes and a lot of that was contradictory," said Tom Porcelli, chief United States economist at RBC Capital Markets.

The New York Times

Second serve at 15-30 - and a double fault - both hitting the tape.

The Guardian - Sport

Break point, then: on second serve too, Li hitting the tape again.

The Guardian - Sport

He began hitting the tape on his shots, just as Agassi began tuning back into the match.

The New York Times - Sports

Break point #1: Break for Andy Murray after a rally produces an error from Djokovic after the ball hits the tape!

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hit the tape" to vividly describe reaching a crucial point or concluding an activity, especially in contexts involving competition or achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "hit the tape" in contexts where a more literal or descriptive phrase is needed. The idiom is best suited for situations where the imagery of a race finish line is relevant or adds impact.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "hit the tape" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It signifies the act of reaching a final point or goal, often with connotations of completion or victory. Ludwig examples confirm its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Sports

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hit the tape" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe reaching the end of a race or, metaphorically, the completion of any endeavor. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and suitable for general use, particularly in news and sports contexts. While less frequent in formal writing, it effectively conveys a sense of finality and accomplishment. Related phrases include "cross the finish line" and "reach the end". To use it effectively, ensure the context aligns with the imagery of a finish line or a significant milestone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cross the finish line

Emphasizes the act of completing a race or competition, focusing on the physical boundary.

Reach the end

A more general term for completing a task or process, lacking the specific imagery of a race.

Achieve completion

Highlights the successful fulfillment of a task, often used in formal or technical contexts.

Finalize the deal

Specifically refers to the conclusion of a business agreement or transaction.

Wrap things up

An informal way to say that something is coming to an end or being concluded.

Bring to a close

A more formal way of indicating the termination or completion of something.

Seal the bargain

Implies a binding agreement or a final confirmation of terms.

Attain the objective

Focuses on successfully meeting a specific target or aim.

Conclude the matter

Suggests the resolution of an issue or the ending of a discussion.

Put the lid on

An idiomatic phrase suggesting a definitive end to something, often with a sense of finality.

FAQs

What does "hit the tape" mean?

"Hit the tape" typically means to reach the end of a race or competition, signifying the achievement of a goal. It can also metaphorically refer to reaching the conclusion of any endeavor.

How can I use "hit the tape" in a sentence?

You might say, "The marathon runner finally "hit the tape" after a grueling race", or, "The company expects to "hit the tape" on the project by the end of the quarter."

Are there alternative phrases to "hit the tape"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like "cross the finish line", "reach the end", or "achieve completion".

Is "hit the tape" appropriate for formal writing?

While "hit the tape" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for news articles or general writing. More formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "attain the objective" or "bring to a close".