hit out
B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To punch or swing at someone, or to say very angry things against someone in public.
Literal meaning: To swing a fist outward — the physical sense is transparent; the 'criticize' sense is idiomatic.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To swing one's fist or a weapon and attempt to strike someone or something.
"Cornered by the mugger, she hit out wildly and managed to escape."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To criticize someone or something forcefully and publicly, often in anger.
"The director hit out at the studio for cutting funding to independent films."
"Adele hits out at Grammys for snubbing her album."
— The Guardian, headline (2012)
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in British journalism: 'Minister hits out at critics.' The physical sense is more literal; the verbal/critical sense is dominant in media language. Often followed by 'at' when a target is specified.
Commonly used with
critics government media decision policy rivals
Forms
Base
hit out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hits out
he/she/it
Past simple
hit out
yesterday
Past participle
hit out
have + pp
-ing form
hitting out
continuous
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