Hit the deck

Meaning

Duck down quickly, usually to avoid danger.

Usage

Used for sudden defensive reactions.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Military instruction to drop to the deck during fire.

Used in drill commands from the 19th century onward.