Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

to hit the bottle

idiom
/tuː hɪt ðə ˈbɒtl/
Definition
To start drinking alcohol, often heavily or excessively.
Examples
  • After losing his job, he began to hit the bottle more often.
  • She promised herself she wouldn’t hit the bottle during the stressful week.
  • When the party got started, everyone seemed to hit the bottle together.
Meaning
This phrase typically indicates that someone is consuming alcohol in a way that suggests they may be seeking to cope with stress or emotions, or it could simply mean they are enjoying alcohol socially.
Synonyms
  • to drink heavily
  • to indulge in alcohol
  • to drown one’s sorrows