Went Off Without a Hitch Meaning
Definition: Without any problems; with perfect execution.
People use this expression to describe an endeavor that was successful and had no issues.
Origin of Went Off Without a Hitch Meaning
One of the definitions of hitch is a temporary or unexpected problem or an interruption. Examples of a hitch could include a delay, difficulty, or disruption.
Another meaning of hitch, which is possibly related, is snag. The word hitch has existed since around the 1400s. The expression without a hitch began rising in popularity in the mid-1800s.
An alternative expression that also uses hitch is, “What’s the hitch?”
Examples of Went Off Without a Hitch Meaning
In this example, two friends are discussing a big party that one of them recently threw.
Cassie: How was that giant surprise party that you were throwing for your mom’s 50th birthday?
Rebecca: It was great! She had a lot of fun, and it seemed as if the guests did as well.
Cassie: I know you were worried about all the various dietary restrictions of the guests, and which music to play, and even whether or not enough people would show up.
Rebecca: Yeah, I was, but it turned out I had no reason to be worried. There were no problems at all. The whole thing went off without a hitch!
Cassie: I’m so glad to hear that!
In the dialogue below, two men are discussing the political campaign of the candidate they hope becomes governor.
Antonio: I’m glad there have been no controversies surrounding our candidate so far.
Igor: Yeah. His whole campaign hasn’t had any problems. I expected at least some accusations of impropriety or some horrible story from his past to surface, but so far, nothing!
Antonio: It’s lucky. Almost suspiciously lucky. Hopefully our opponents aren’t holding back damaging materials to release at the worst moment.
Igor: I’m sure the campaign will continue to go off without a hitch.
More Examples
This excerpt is about the best time of life to get married.
- Most people have a target age in their head for when they want to be married — but what’s the best age to tie the knot if you want your marriage to go off without a hitch? –New York Post
This excerpt is about how someone threw up while on the red carpet at an award ceremony.
- While Sunday night’s Emmys ceremony went off without a hitch, it didn’t go off without a hurl. –New York Daily News
Summary
The phrase without a hitch is an expression that means without any delays or difficulties.
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