1 C1 idiomatic informal
To imitate or mimic someone, especially in a humorous or satirical way.
"The comedian really hit off the prime minister's pompous speaking style."
separable
hit off
B2 informal separable transitive
To imitate or mimic someone cleverly, or (in the fixed phrase 'hit it off') to immediately get along well with someone.
In plain English
To copy how someone talks or acts in a funny way, OR to really like someone the first time you meet them.
What does "hit off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
(hit it off) To immediately like someone and get along well with them from the first meeting.
"We hit it off straight away at the conference and have been friends ever since."
“
We just hit it off immediately.
— Paul McCartney, on first meeting John Lennon, various interviews
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To strike something away from a surface — the idiomatic leap to 'mimic' or 'get along' is not transparent.
Actually means
To copy how someone talks or acts in a funny way, OR to really like someone the first time you meet them.
Usage tip
The sense 'to mimic' is more common in British English. The phrase 'hit it off' (always with 'it') is the dominant usage in both British and American English for mutual liking. Without 'it', 'hit off' for mimicry is somewhat dated.
Words that pair with "hit off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
comedian impression accent mannerism instantly immediately
How to conjugate "hit off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hit off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hits off
he/she/it
Past simple
hit off
yesterday
Past participle
hit off
have + pp
-ing form
hitting off
continuous
Hear "hit off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hit off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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