- To quickly develop a good, friendly relationship with someone upon first meeting them; to get along very well immediately.
Explanation
Origin
- Uncertain origin, likely early 20th century American English.
- Hit might imply striking the right note or achieving success instantly.
- Off suggests starting something well (e.g., start off on the right foot).
- The earlier phrase hit it meant 'to guess correctly' or 'succeed'.
- The combination hit it off came to mean forming an instant rapport.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Clicked (Very common, almost interchangeable)
- Vibed / Had good vibes (Newer slang, focuses on compatible energy)
- Got on like gangbusters (Slightly older US slang, similar to 'house on fire')
- Were on the same wavelength (Implies shared thinking/understanding)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- (No direct vulgar equivalents. Emphasis is usually on the positivity, e.g., We fucking clicked instantly, but the core idiom isn't vulgar.)
Milder/Formal:
- Established a good rapport
- Found immediate common ground
- Connected well
- Developed an instant liking for each other
Situational Appropriateness
- Suitable for informal and semi-formal situations.
- Commonly used to describe personal connections in social settings and often in work settings (e.g., hitting it off with a client or colleague). Avoid in highly formal reports.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The literal meaning of hit could confuse non-native speakers.
- Emphasize that it means forming an instant, positive connection or rapport, not physical contact.
Examples
- I was nervous about meeting my girlfriend's parents, but we hit it off right away.
- The two dogs met at the park and seemed to hit it off immediately.
- We introduced John and Sarah at the party, and they really hit it off.
Dialogue
A: How was your first day with the new team?
B: It was great, actually! I really hit it off with my deskmate, Maria. We have a ton in common.
A: Oh, that's fantastic! It makes such a difference when you get along with your colleagues.
Social Media Examples
- Post: Had coffee with @[Username] today we totally hit it off! So great connecting with fellow writers. #Networking #Community
- Tweet: Went on a date last night and we actually hit it off?! Might be onto something here... 🤔 #DatingLife
- Comment on a friend's photo with a new person: You two look like you really hit it off! So happy for you!
Response Patterns
- Positive reactions: That's great! / Oh, wonderful! / I'm so glad!
- Curiosity: Oh yeah? What did you guys talk about? / What do you like about them?
- Confirmation: I knew you two would hit it off!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Asking more about the person they met.
- Discussing shared interests discovered.
- Making plans to see the person again or suggesting they do.
- Expressing relief if the meeting was important (e.g., meeting in-laws, new team members).
Conversation Starter
- Not typically an opener itself.
- Used when recounting a recent social interaction or meeting. Example: Guess what? I met my new neighbour yesterday, and we totally hit it off!
Intonation
- Usually expressed with enthusiasm, pleasure, or relief.
- Stress often falls on HIT and OFF. We really HIT it OFF.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across all generations. A very standard, common idiom.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Aus, Can, etc.).