hit wicket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized/Technical, sometimes Figurative
Quick answer
What does “hit wicket” mean?
In cricket, a mode of dismissal where a batsman (batter) accidentally dislodges their own wicket (stumps and bails) with their bat, body, or clothing while attempting to play or avoid a shot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In cricket, a mode of dismissal where a batsman (batter) accidentally dislodges their own wicket (stumps and bails) with their bat, body, or clothing while attempting to play or avoid a shot.
By extension, used metaphorically to describe an act of causing one's own downfall, often through carelessness or self-inflicted error, especially in contexts like politics, business, or sports.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is widely known and used in the UK and other cricket-playing nations (e.g., Australia, India). In the US, it is a very low-frequency term known primarily to sports enthusiasts, expatriates, or in contexts discussing international sports. The metaphorical use is even rarer in the US.
Connotations
In cricket-playing nations, it carries specific technical and sporting connotations. Elsewhere, it may be perceived as an obscure or culturally specific term.
Frequency
High in UK sports journalism and commentary. Very low in general US English; virtually absent from mainstream discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “hit wicket” in a Sentence
[Subject] (be) dismissed/given out hit wicket.[Subject] commit/suffer a hit wicket.It was a classic hit wicket.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hit wicket” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – not standard as a verb. Use 'be dismissed hit wicket'.
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- He was given out hit wicket.
American English
- N/A – rarely used, if at all.
adjective
British English
- A hit-wicket dismissal is always frustrating for the batting side.
- It was a hit-wicket moment in the negotiations.
American English
- He pulled off a hit-wicket move by insulting his own supporters.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The CEO's inflammatory tweet was a political hit wicket, causing the stock to plummet.
Academic
The study's methodological flaw was a classic hit wicket, invalidating its own conclusions.
Everyday
He was doing so well in the debate until he contradicted himself—total hit wicket.
Technical
The batter was adjudged out hit wicket after his foot kicked the leg stump while attempting a sweep shot.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hit wicket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hit wicket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hit wicket”
- Using 'hit the wicket' (with 'the') is less idiomatic than the fixed phrase 'hit wicket'.
- Using it as a verb phrase ('He hit wicketed') is incorrect; it functions as a noun phrase or adverbial (was out hit wicket).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily a compound noun (e.g., 'a hit wicket') or used adverbially in the phrase 'dismissed/given out hit wicket'. You do not say 'He hit wicketed'.
Yes, but primarily in figurative language, especially in countries familiar with cricket. It describes a self-inflicted error or downfall, similar to 'shooting oneself in the foot'.
It is pronounced /ˈwɪkɪt/ (WICK-it) in both British and American English.
No, it is a relatively rare form of dismissal, often seen as unlucky or comical, which makes it a memorable metaphor.
In cricket, a mode of dismissal where a batsman (batter) accidentally dislodges their own wicket (stumps and bails) with their bat, body, or clothing while attempting to play or avoid a shot.
Hit wicket is usually specialized/technical, sometimes figurative in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To do a hit wicket (figurative): to bring about one's own failure.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a wicket (a cricket stump) and a bat HITting it. The batsman HITs his own WICKET. Relate to 'shooting oneself in the foot'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPORT (CRICKET) IS A STRATEGIC BATTLE / SELF-SABOTAGE IS HITTING ONE'S OWN WICKET.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'hit wicket' literally mean in cricket?