hit (v.) Copy link Outline I. To strikeII. Fig.III. To hit off, e. g. a likeness • hit (v.): I. To strike: fĕrio, tundo, etc.: v. to strike, beat. Phr.: you have h. the nail on the head, tetigisti acu, Pl. Rud. 5, 2, 19 (in which sense modern writers use the fuller form, rem acu tetigisti): to h. a man when he is down, *humi dejecto plagas ingerere; in fig. sense, *infelici insultare. II. Fig.: to hit upon: offendo, 3 (trans.); incĭdo, 3 (intrans.): v. to light upon, fall in with. III. To hit off, e. g. a likeness: to h. off any one's character, alicujus mores bene describere, Pl.