hit up against
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To suddenly find a big problem or wall that stops you from doing what you want.
Literal meaning: To physically collide with something — the sense of encountering a metaphorical obstacle is a natural extension.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To encounter a serious obstacle, resistance, or limit that prevents you from making progress.
"The researchers hit up against strict ethical regulations that delayed the trial by a year."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To physically come into forceful contact with a surface or object.
"The boat hit up against the dock with a loud thud."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Less common than 'come up against' or 'run into.' Often used to describe systemic barriers, bureaucratic obstacles, or ideological resistance. Slightly more emphatic than 'come up against.'
Commonly used with
wall barrier obstacle resistance limit bureaucracy
Forms
Base
hit up against
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hits up against
he/she/it
Past simple
hit up against
yesterday
Past participle
hit up against
have + pp
-ing form
hitting up against
continuous
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