hit the deck

Idioms and Phrases

Also, hit the dirt . Fall to the ground, usually for protection. For example, As the planes approached, we hit the deck , or We heard shooting and hit the dirt . In the early 1900s the first expression was nautical slang for “jump out of bed,” or “wake up,” and somewhat later, “get going.” The current meaning dates from the 1920s.

Example Sentences

It was the first time Inoue, a man with 23 knockouts in 26 fights, had hit the deck.

From BBC

Aberdeen once more believed they had a shot at restoring parity when Hoilett hit the deck in the box and referee Don Robertson pointed to the spot.

From BBC

His audacious overhead kick called Joe Hart into a punch before Martin Boyle hit the deck in search of his own penalty, while Lewis Miller's later effort skimmed inches wide.

From BBC

Taylor couldn't afford a knockdown and almost hit the deck in the final moments after some big shots from Cameron.

From BBC

There was a tense moment in the fifth when Tatis hit the deck on a high-and-tight pitch from Joe Kelly that hit the knob of the bat and sent it flying.

From Seattle Times