down the hatch

USAGE SUMMARY

"down the hatch" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express someone either drinking something or disposing of something. For example: "He took the medicine and said 'down the hatch.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food & Drink

Informal Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(866 439-8368 www.garden-path.com DOWN THE HATCH -- Scoop seed and fill a feeder with one tool.

The New York Times

"Their mentality is to get in the foxhole and batten down the hatch.

The New York Times

If you are the compulsive type for whom one spoonful of ice cream means the whole pint goes down the hatch, don't take that first taste.

The New York Times - Health

When the wheeling and dealing stop and the post-work martinis and cosmopolitans go down the hatch, an eerie calm descends over Lower Manhattan.

The New York Times - Food

"Mead is believed to be the first alcoholic-type beverage for King Arthur's court," says Mr. Still, whose own debut batch did not go smoothly down the hatch.

The New York Times

"I just tell that fun little story about the rice". Diners at Koks tend not to be timid eaters; with rare exceptions, the mealworms go down the hatch.

The New Yorker

Drake Beam Morin, a firm in Stamford, Conn., that helps with career transitions, has even documented how easily these layoffs go down the hatch.

The New York Times

"NOW this is just sort of cool and refreshing," I remarked to my tablemates as I pinched some more of the sectioned cucumbers with my chopsticks and ferried them down the hatch.

The New York Times - Food

Chewing the whole fruit slows down consumption, Dr. Katz said, compared to when you "take an 8-ounce juice and just pour it down the hatch," which not only makes it easier to ingest more calories, but releases fructose faster into the bloodstream.

The New York Times

In a flashback Desmond (Henry Ian Cusick), the character "Lost" viewers know as the man who lived down the hatch, tells a prison guard that he carries around "Our Mutual Friend" because he means for it to be the last book he reads before dying.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it is too late: he will soon leave New York for London, preferring the latter's "general down-the-hatch, who-are-we-fooling light-heartedness" over the delusory promise of New York, where "selfhood's hill always seemed to lie ahead and to promise a further glimpse of further, higher peaks".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "down the hatch" to indicate the act of drinking something, particularly in a celebratory or casual context. It's suitable for informal conversations and writing, but avoid it in formal reports or academic papers.

Common error

Avoid using "down the hatch" in professional or academic writing. It's too informal and might be perceived as unprofessional. Opt for more neutral or formal alternatives like "consumed" or "ingested" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "down the hatch" functions primarily as an interjection or idiomatic expression used to accompany the act of drinking or consuming something. It can be used both literally, when something is being drunk, or figuratively, indicating disposal. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Food & Drink

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "down the hatch" is an informal phrase used to signal the intention to drink or consume something, often quickly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While grammatically sound, its informality restricts its use to casual contexts, excluding professional or academic writing. Alternatives like "bottoms up" or "here's to ya" can convey similar sentiments, though with slightly different nuances. Remember to avoid it in overly formal situations to maintain a professional tone. Despite its informal nature, the expression is common in media, food-related content, and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bottoms up

Emphasizes the act of drinking, especially alcoholic beverages, in a celebratory way. Slightly more formal.

Tossed back

Refers to quickly drinking something, usually a shot or small beverage. More specific to alcoholic drinks.

Here's to ya

Functions as a toast before drinking, wishing good health or fortune. More celebratory and less direct.

Chugged it

Specifically refers to drinking something quickly and continuously. Focuses on speed.

Gone in a gulp

Focuses on the speed and ease of consumption. Highlights quickness.

Into the abyss

Implies a more dramatic or humorous disposal, not limited to just drinking but can be applied to other items.

Sent down the gullet

A slightly humorous or crude way to describe swallowing. Adds a playful tone.

Swallowed whole

Indicates complete and immediate consumption, often used literally but can also be metaphorical.

Consumed entirely

A more formal and general way of saying something was completely eaten or drunk. Lacks the casual tone.

Dispatched internally

Humorous expression, emphasizing consumption or digestion. It is more formal than other terms.

FAQs

What does the phrase "down the hatch" mean?

The phrase "down the hatch" typically means to drink something, often quickly or in one gulp. It's an informal way of saying something is being consumed or disposed of.

How can I use "down the hatch" in a sentence?

You might say, "He raised his glass and said, 'Down the hatch!' before taking a sip". This indicates he's about to drink what's in his glass.

Are there any alternatives to saying "down the hatch"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "bottoms up", "here's to ya", or simply say "I'm going to drink this".

Is "down the hatch" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "down the hatch" is an informal expression and is not suitable for formal writing. In professional or academic contexts, use more neutral terms like "consumed" or "ingested".