Hit the sack
Meaning
To go to bed or fall asleep, often indicating a desire for rest after being tired.
Origin
Before the widespread advent of sprung mattresses, many beds, particularly those for travelers, soldiers, or the less affluent, consisted of simple sacks filled with straw, hay, or even leaves. These rough, often temporary sleeping arrangements were less about comfort and more about a place to collapse after a long day. The phrase "hit the sack" vividly captures the weary act of throwing oneself down onto such a basic bed, signifying a sudden, exhausted desire for sleep rather than a gentle retirement. It evokes the image of a body literally impacting the sack, seeking immediate rest, and became popular in American English during the early 20th century.
Examples
- After working on the project all night, I just wanted to hit the sack.
- Don't forget to hit the sack early tonight; you have an important presentation tomorrow.