hit back (at someone or something)
hit back
1. To strike someone or something in retaliation. A noun or pronoun can be used between "hit" and "back." I know your sister hit you, but that doesn't give you the right to hit her back! Tommy hit back at the bully with all his might, knocking out several of the boy's teeth.
2. slang To repay or return a favor to someone. A noun or pronoun is used between "hit" and "back." Thanks for lunch, I'll hit you back next week once I get paid.
3. To react negatively, forcefully, or violently to the negative actions of someone or something else. Often followed by "at." The CEO hit back at activists calling for his resignation. These allegations could undermine our entire operation, so we've got to hit back hard.
4. In sports, to respond to the success of one's opponent with offensive actions. A noun or pronoun can be used between "hit" and "back." Mere minutes after Oklahoma took the lead, Washington State hit back with a touchdown and two-point conversion. They've been in complete control of the ball this half. We've got to start hitting them back with more shots on goal!
See also: back, hit
hit back (at someone or something)
To react negatively, forcefully, or violently to the negative actions of someone or something else. The CEO hit back at activists calling for his resignation. These allegations could undermine our entire operation, so we've got to hit back hard.
See also: back, hit, someone
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
hit back (at someone or something)
to strike someone or something back. Tom hit Fred, and Fred hit back at Tom. I have to hit back when someone hits me.
See also: back, hit
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- hit back
- hit (up)on (something)
- hit on
- hit on something
- hit with (something)
- hit with
- hit (someone or something) with (something)
- hit someone up for something
- hit it off
- hit it off, to