hit a wall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “hit a wall” is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to when someone runs into a metaphoric obstacle or barrier that prevents them from achieving a certain goal, or progress in some area. For example, “I was making great progress on my project, but then I hit a wall and wasn’t able to find a solution.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then he hit a wall.

The New York Times

It has hit a wall.

The New York Times

Fields could hit a wall.

The New York Times - Sports

He hit a wall.

The New York Times

They hit a wall".

The New York Times

Sure enough, Intel eventually hit a wall.

The Economist

But they soon hit a wall.

The New York Times - Arts

Corporate bond issues hit a wall.

The New York Times

But it has now hit a wall.

The Economist

I knew I had hit a wall.

The New York Times - Health

Then they hit a wall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hit a wall" to describe situations where progress has stopped due to an obstacle, be it a lack of resources, skills, or understanding. It is suitable for both personal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "hit a wall" in literal contexts where physical contact with a wall is involved. This phrase is best suited for describing metaphorical barriers.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "hit a wall" functions as a verb phrase indicating a sudden inability to continue or progress, often due to unforeseen obstacles. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts, reinforcing its idiomatic nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "hit a wall" is a common expression used to describe encountering a significant obstacle that halts progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence in various contexts, particularly within news and media. While generally acceptable, it's worth noting that more formal alternatives exist, such as "reach an impasse", for professional settings. When facing difficulty articulating frustration, "hit a wall" effectively conveys the sense of being stuck or unable to move forward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach an impasse

Indicates a standstill in progress or negotiation, often in a formal or official context.

encounter a barrier

Highlights the presence of an obstacle that hinders progress, suggesting a more literal or figurative obstruction.

face a setback

Emphasizes a temporary delay or reversal in progress, implying a need for adjustment and renewed effort.

meet an obstacle

A more general term for encountering something that impedes progress, applicable to various situations.

come to a standstill

Describes a complete cessation of movement or progress, suggesting a more abrupt and definitive halt.

stall out

Indicates a sudden loss of momentum or progress, often used in the context of vehicles or machinery.

reach a plateau

Suggests a leveling off of progress after a period of growth, implying a need for new strategies to advance further.

be thwarted

Highlights the prevention or obstruction of a plan or effort, often by external forces.

meet with failure

Indicates an unsuccessful attempt or outcome, suggesting a more decisive and final result.

draw a blank

Implies a mental blockage or inability to recall information, often used in the context of memory or creativity.

FAQs

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

You can use "hit a wall" to describe a situation where you've encountered an obstacle that's preventing you from progressing. For example, "I was making great progress on the report, but I "hit a wall" when I couldn't find the necessary data."

What's the difference between "hit a wall" and "reach an impasse"?

"Hit a wall" generally refers to a personal or individual obstacle, whereas "reach an impasse" usually describes a situation where parties in a negotiation or discussion cannot agree and make further progress.

What are some alternatives to "hit a wall"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "encounter a barrier", "face a setback", or "come to a standstill" instead of "hit a wall".

Is "hit a wall" appropriate for formal writing?

While ""hit a wall"" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using phrases such as "reach an impasse" or "encounter a barrier" for a more professional tone.