hit the gate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hit the gate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to arriving at a location, particularly in transportation or racing scenarios. Example: "The bus is scheduled to hit the gate at 3 PM, so we should leave by 2:30 to ensure we arrive on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Instead, Yankee Gentleman hit the gate at the start and then ducked into the gap.

The New York Times - Sports

But I didn't want the trial to be a monkey sort of race so I said to let him run if he hit the gate".

Independent

"I had to hit the gate differently on my pole so that it doesn't hurt my hand as much," Vonn said after the first run.

The New York Times - Sports

Karstens looks to have gone a touch too early and hit the gate but it is much worse for Kober who looks like she has hurt herself midway through the run.

The Guardian - Sport

After the Altima hit the gate, it had an "easy escape route" to its left, southbound on Liverpool Street, but instead it drove again at the van as Officer Carey was stepping out on the passenger side, he said.

The New York Times

Mr Cowie says: "We got on the bus and just before we hit the gate the bus stopped, the door opened and on came President Kennedy.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Not even one hit the gates.

The New Yorker

He hit the gates well, landed in front and everyone wanted to get a lead.

The Guardian - Sport

The 8.04am Central Trains service, which was travelling from Lincoln to Peterborough, hit the gates of a manned crossing at Rowston, near Sleaford, at around 8.30am.

The Guardian

"She's like a lot of those very talented horses - she hits the gates very naturally and travelled very easily.

BBC

The winner was Taekwon V who made it down the hill without hitting the gates even in harsh winds and slippery conditions.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hit the gate" in racing contexts, ensure it accurately describes the moment of starting or a collision with a starting gate. Using it figuratively requires a clear connection to an initial stage or obstacle.

Common error

Avoid using "hit the gate" when simply meaning "arrived at the gate". The phrase often implies a forceful impact or a specific action related to a starting mechanism, especially in racing or sports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit the gate" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often describing a physical action of making contact with a gate. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, particularly in scenarios involving motion or impact, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hit the gate" is a grammatically sound verb phrase that describes the act of making contact with a gate, often with force. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English. While the phrase is more common in contexts like News & Media, its register is typically neutral. It can be used literally, to describe a physical impact, or figuratively, to describe the start of something or encountering an initial obstacle. Related phrases include "arrive at the gate" and "reach the gate", which emphasize arrival rather than impact. The phrase is categorized as 'Uncommon' because there are between 6-10 examples available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrive at the gate

Focuses on the action of reaching a specific entry point, emphasizing arrival rather than impact.

reach the gate

Similar to "arrive at the gate", it highlights the accomplishment of getting to the designated point.

get to the gate

A more informal way of expressing arrival at the gate, suitable for casual conversation.

pass through the gate

Emphasizes the action of moving beyond the gate, suggesting progression.

crash into the gate

Highlights the forceful impact with the gate, suggesting an accident or uncontrolled movement.

smash into the gate

Similar to "crash into the gate", emphasizing a more destructive impact.

collide with the gate

A more formal way of saying "crash into the gate", often used in official reports.

run into the gate

Suggests an accidental or unintentional impact with the gate.

impact the gate

A general term for making contact with the gate, without specifying the nature of the impact.

strike the gate

Similar to "impact the gate", but can also imply a deliberate action.

FAQs

What does "hit the gate" mean in horse racing?

In horse racing, "hit the gate" typically describes a horse that either starts quickly and powerfully from the starting gate, or accidentally bumps into the side of the gate during the start of the race. This can affect the horse's performance.

Can "hit the gate" be used in contexts other than racing?

Yes, although less common, "hit the gate" can metaphorically refer to starting something with great momentum or encountering an unexpected obstacle at the beginning of an endeavor. For example, a new product might be described as a "hit out of the gate" if it is immediately successful.

What are some synonyms for "hit the gate" that emphasize arrival?

If you want to emphasize reaching a location rather than impact, you could use phrases like "arrive at the gate" or "reach the gate".

What's the difference between "hit the gate" and "storm the gate"?

"Hit the gate" often implies a single, impactful action, either literal or figurative. "Storm the gate", on the other hand, suggests a forceful, overwhelming advance, often by a large group, to overcome a barrier or defense.