"Hitting clinker" is a term used in the construction industry to describe the sound of a hammer hitting a hard surface, like a piece of brick or concrete. The spelling of "clinker" is pronounced /ˈklɪŋkər/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The "kl" sound represents a consonant cluster made up of a voiceless velar stop and a voiced velar nasal, while the final "er" is a syllabic consonant. The spelling of this word accurately reflects its pronunciation.
"Hitting clinker" is a relatively uncommon idiomatic expression mostly used in informal spoken language. This phrase refers to a situation where someone unexpectedly encounters an obstacle or experiences an inconvenience or difficulty during the pursuit of a particular goal or task. It often signifies encountering an unexpected problem or running into a setback.
The term itself originates from the construction industry, specifically brick-making. In brick manufacturing, the term "clinker" refers to a hard, solid mass or lumps of unburned or partially fused material that may occur during the firing or overheating of bricks in a kiln. "Hitting clinker" draws an analogy from the experience of hitting an unexpected physical obstacle, just as a worker might stumble upon clinker while working with bricks.
In a figurative sense, "hitting clinker" signifies an unexpected hindrance in one's progress or plans, resulting in a temporary delay or frustration. It implies an unforeseen complication or a barrier that needs to be overcome. This expression is often used to convey a sense of surprise, frustration, or disappointment when facing such obstacles. While not widely recognized, "hitting clinker" has become a colloquial phrase employed in various contexts to depict unexpected setbacks and challenges that may arise in daily life, work, or other endeavors.