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."
inseparable
hit up against
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To encounter a problem, barrier, or resistance that blocks progress.
In plain English
To suddenly find a big problem or wall that stops you from doing what you want.
What does "hit up against" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically collide with something — the sense of encountering a metaphorical obstacle is a natural extension.
Actually means
To suddenly find a big problem or wall that stops you from doing what you want.
Usage tip
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.'
Words that pair with "hit up against"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wall barrier obstacle resistance limit bureaucracy
How to conjugate "hit up against"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "hit up against" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hit up against" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.