hit a brick wall

USAGE SUMMARY

"hit a brick wall" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation where one meets an obstacle which they can't seem to get around or overcome. For example, "When I tried to come up with a solution, I suddenly hit a brick wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

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

Use "hit a brick wall" to describe a situation where progress is suddenly halted due to an unforeseen or insurmountable obstacle. This phrase is effective in conveying frustration and the feeling of being stuck.

Common error

Avoid using "hit a brick wall" for minor inconveniences. This phrase implies a significant and impactful barrier, not just a slight delay or setback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit a brick wall" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It describes the action of encountering an insurmountable obstacle that halts progress. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hit a brick wall" is a common idiom used to describe encountering a significant and often unexpected obstacle that halts progress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct and widely used expression, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral contexts, as more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "reach an impasse". Remember to reserve "hit a brick wall" for substantial barriers, avoiding its use for minor setbacks. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples underscores the phrase's prevalence and appropriate application in modern English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach an impasse

Focuses on the state of deadlock achieved.

encounter an obstacle

Highlights the act of facing a barrier.

reach a standstill

Emphasizes the cessation of progress.

meet a dead end

Suggests a point where no further progress is possible.

come up against a barrier

Emphasizes confrontation with an obstruction.

face a roadblock

Highlights the presence of an impediment to progress.

be thwarted

Indicates being prevented from achieving a goal.

run into difficulties

Points out the emergence of problems.

find oneself obstructed

Highlights the experience of being blocked.

stall out

Implies sudden stop in progress, like a vehicle.

FAQs

How can I use "hit a brick wall" in a sentence?

You can use "hit a brick wall" to describe a situation where you encounter a significant obstacle that stops your progress. For example, "During the project, we "hit a brick wall" when the funding was cut."

What does it mean to "hit a brick wall"?

To "hit a brick wall" means to encounter a sudden and insurmountable obstacle that prevents you from moving forward or achieving your goal.

What can I say instead of "hit a brick wall"?

You can use alternatives like "reach an impasse", "encounter an obstacle", or "reach a standstill" depending on the context.

Is "hit a brick wall" a formal or informal expression?

"Hit a brick wall" is considered an informal expression. While it's widely understood, it might be more appropriate to use more formal alternatives like "reach an impasse" in professional or academic writing.