The phrase "hits bricks" refers to someone who quits their job or is fired from it. The spelling of this phrase may seem straightforward, but it is important to note that the "h" in "hits" is pronounced differently from the "h" in "house." The IPA phonetic transcription for "hits bricks" is /hɪts brɪks/. This indicates that the "h" in "hits" is pronounced as an aspirated "h," while the "i" is pronounced as a short vowel sound. The "br" sound in "bricks" is also notable, with the "r" being rolled slightly.
"Hits bricks" is an idiomatic expression that typically refers to an action or a situation where someone fails to achieve the desired outcome or experiences a setback or failure in a particular endeavor. This phrase is commonly used in informal conversations, often in a playful or lighthearted manner.
When someone "hits bricks," they encounter obstacles or challenges that prevent them from making progress or attaining their goals. It signifies a sudden halt, a dead end, or the loss of momentum in their pursuit. The phrase often conveys a sense of disappointment, frustration, or a feeling of being defeated.
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the idea of a physical barrier, such as a brick wall, that obstructs someone from advancing or moving forward. Similar to crashing into a wall, "hitting bricks" implies a sudden stop or an unexpected inability to achieve the desired outcome.
For example, someone may say, "I tried to negotiate a better deal with the vendor, but I hit bricks. They weren't willing to compromise." This would mean that the person's attempt to reach an agreement was unsuccessful, and they experienced a setback.
Overall, "hits bricks" is an expressive and vivid phrase used to describe a failure or a setback in accomplishing a particular objective or target, highlighting the challenges and obstacles faced by an individual in their pursuits.