Hit a/the wall
verb
To get very tired or fail completely during an effort to perform.
I was doing well in the marathon but hit a wall after 20 miles.

Often appears as...
- hit a wall in a marathon
- hit a wall in a project
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To suddenly face a serious problem or difficulty in a process that has been progressing without difficulties.
We hit a wall in the negotiations when the other party refused to compromise any further.

Often appears as...
- hit a wall in negotiations
- hit a wall in development
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To get very tired or fail completely during an effort to perform.
I was doing well in the marathon but hit a wall after 20 miles.

Often appears as...
- hit a wall in a marathon
- hit a wall in a project
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To suddenly face a serious problem or difficulty in a process that has been progressing without difficulties.
We hit a wall in the negotiations when the other party refused to compromise any further.

Often appears as...
- hit a wall in negotiations
- hit a wall in development
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2

Energy Depletion
Used when someone loses energy suddenly, often in sports or physical activities.

During the final exams, I hit a wall and couldn't study anymore.
Mental Fatigue
Can describe a moment when mental activities, like studying or problem-solving, become overwhelming.

I hit a wall after hours of trying to solve the puzzle.
Progress Halted
Indicates an abrupt stop in progress, often due to exhaustion.

She hit a wall in her research and couldn't find any more data.
Energy Depletion
Used when someone loses energy suddenly, often in sports or physical activities.

During the final exams, I hit a wall and couldn't study anymore.
Mental Fatigue
Can describe a moment when mental activities, like studying or problem-solving, become overwhelming.

I hit a wall after hours of trying to solve the puzzle.
Progress Halted
Indicates an abrupt stop in progress, often due to exhaustion.

She hit a wall in her research and couldn't find any more data.
Energy Depletion
Used when someone loses energy suddenly, often in sports or physical activities.

During the final exams, I hit a wall and couldn't study anymore.
Mental Fatigue
Can describe a moment when mental activities, like studying or problem-solving, become overwhelming.

I hit a wall after hours of trying to solve the puzzle.
Progress Halted
Indicates an abrupt stop in progress, often due to exhaustion.

She hit a wall in her research and couldn't find any more data.
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