The phrase "put on hit list" refers to a person or thing that has been marked for attack or elimination. The spelling of "hit" is straightforward, with the "h" pronounced as /h/ and the "t" as /t/. However, the spelling of "put" is slightly more complex. The "p" is pronounced as /p/, and the "u" is a short vowel sound /ʌ/. The "t" is pronounced as a glottal stop /ʔ/, like the sound between the words "uh-oh." Together, the word is pronounced as /pʌt ɒn hɪt lɪst/.
The phrase "put on hit list" refers to the act of adding someone's name or identity to a list of individuals targeted for harm or assassination. It implies that a person has become a potential victim of a planned attack, typically orchestrated by criminal organizations, secret agents, or a powerful entity seeking to eliminate the individual for a certain reason.
Being put on a hit list carries serious implications, as it suggests that the person's life is in imminent danger or that they have become a high-priority target. The motivations behind such an action can vary, including personal vendettas, political or ideological conflicts, or involvement in criminal activities. It often implies that someone has been specifically chosen due to their perceived threat, influence, or involvement in a certain sphere, making them a prime candidate for elimination.
The process of putting someone on a hit list typically involves careful planning, surveillance, and coordination between those responsible for the list's creation and those entrusted with executing the acts of violence. The list itself may exist in physical or digital form and can be circulated among criminal networks or individuals involved in carrying out the assaults.
While the phrase originated within the criminal underworld or intelligence agencies, it has since become a popular metaphorical expression indicating someone who is being intentionally targeted or subjected to hostility, criticism, or negative actions in various contexts beyond actual physical harm.