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to hit the hay
01
to get in bed for sleeping
![to [hit] the hay definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/21212/original/?type=jpeg "to [hit] the hay definition and meaning")
What is the origin of the idiom "hit the hay" and when to use it?
The idiom "hit the hay" has its origin in the practice of using hay as a common and simple material for making mattresses or bedding in rural areas during the 19th century. The expression captures the idea of going to sleep, often after a day of work or exhaustion, and resting on a bed made of hay. Over time, the phrase has been widely adopted to signify the act of going to sleep or retiring for the night.
Example
After a long day of gardening, she was ready to hit the hay and get a good night's rest.
When the camping trip ended, we couldn't wait to hit the hay in our comfortable sleeping bags.
The children were so tired after playing outside that they were eager to hit the hay as soon as the sun set.
The early morning flight meant I had to hit the hay early the night before.
