hit a brick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hit a brick" is not correct in English; it is likely a truncation of the expression "hit a brick wall." You can use the complete expression when referring to reaching an impasse or a point where progress is impossible.
Example: "After hours of brainstorming, we hit a brick wall and couldn't come up with any new ideas."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A year later, the lawsuit hit a brick wall.

The New York Times

He hit a brick wall.

The New York Times

"You hit a brick wall.

The Guardian

"They're going to hit a brick wall".

The New York Times - Tech

My first enquiries hit a brick wall.

The Guardian

"Before I might have hit a brick wall".

The New York Times

It sounded like it hit a brick wall".

The New York Times

But when markets fall, Some hit a brick wall.

The New York Times

"I felt like I'd hit a brick wall," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Lyrically, however, he appears to have hit a brick wall.

The Guardian - Music

Despite all this work, we have hit a brick wall.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the complete idiom, be sure to use it when describing a situation where progress is completely stopped, as opposed to slowed or temporarily delayed.

Common error

Avoid shortening "hit a brick wall" to "hit a brick." While the shortened version is frequently used, it is grammatically incorrect and reduces the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit a brick" functions as part of a predicate, often describing the experience of encountering a sudden and seemingly insurmountable obstacle. While Ludwig highlights that the complete and accepted expression is "hit a brick wall," the truncated version still conveys the idea of encountering a barrier. The correct expression is an idiom used to express the sudden end of a goal or wish.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While frequently used, the phrase "hit a brick" is generally considered an incomplete version of the idiom "hit a brick wall." As Ludwig points out, the complete idiom is the grammatically correct choice, expressing a sudden halt in progress due to an obstacle. Although understandable, using the full phrase enhances clarity and precision. Primarily found in News & Media, it conveys frustration or resignation when facing a barrier. Consider using alternative phrases like "reach a dead end" or "come to a standstill" for enhanced formality or to avoid the potential ambiguity of the shortened form.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hit a wall

This is the full idiom which "hit a brick" is derived from, indicating a complete stop in progress.

reach a dead end

This suggests a situation where no further progress is possible, implying a complete blockage.

come to a standstill

Indicates that activity or progress has stopped completely.

encounter an obstacle

A more general term for facing a difficulty that impedes progress.

face a setback

Implies a temporary delay or reversal in progress.

meet a barrier

Suggests an obstruction that prevents movement or progress.

run into a problem

A common way to describe encountering a difficulty or challenge.

find oneself stuck

Expresses a state of being unable to proceed or make progress.

be up against it

An informal phrase meaning to be facing significant difficulties.

stall

Denotes a sudden stop or failure to continue moving or progressing.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "hit a brick"?

The more correct and widely accepted phrase is "hit a wall" or "hit a brick wall". "Hit a brick" is a truncated version and considered grammatically incorrect.

What does "hit a brick wall" mean?

It means to encounter an insurmountable obstacle or reach a point where you can no longer progress. It signifies a complete stop due to a significant barrier.

What are some alternative phrases for "hit a brick wall"?

You can use alternatives such as "reach a dead end", "come to a standstill", or "encounter an obstacle" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the idiom "hit a brick wall"?

Use it when describing situations where progress is completely blocked and further advancement seems impossible. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "encounter an impasse".