hit (someone or something) with (something)

1. Literally, to use something to strike someone or something. He hit the bee's nest with a broomstick to knock it out of the tree. Tommy! Do not hit your sister with your toys! When the smoke detector continued to chirp even with new batteries, Dad threatened to hit it with a baseball bat.

2. To present someone or something suddenly and dispassionately with a formal punishment. I'm not afraid to hit you with detention if any of you talk during class. The government has been hitting companies with steep fines for violating the new regulations. If you get caught plagiarizing, the headmaster will hit you with an expulsion, no questions asked!

3. To tell someone some piece of news or information that is very shocking, especially when it is unpleasant or upsetting. They made small talk with me for a while before hitting me with the news that I was being laid off. I don't think the boss is going to be pleased when we hit her with the latest sales figures. I always hate having to hit applicants with the news that they didn't get the job.

hit with (something)

1. To share information with someone. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "hit" and "with." OK, hit me with it—what have you come up with? Gerry hit me with his so-called "brilliant idea" this morning, and I was not impressed. How did the interview go? Hit me with all the details.

2. To require someone to pay a particular amount of money. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "hit" and "with." I'm worried that they're going to hit us with a huge fine even though it's our first offense. Dang, the parking authority just hit me with another parking ticket! Of course they're going to hit us with higher insurance premiums, they always do.

3. To have to handle or deal with something. My meditation practice definitely helps me whenever I'm hit with a stressful situation at work. Once he was hit with mounting pressure from activists, the mayor finally agreed to reverse the controversial policy. Please don't tell me we've been hit with another problem now.

hit someone with something

1. Fig. to charge someone with an amount of money. The government hit us with a big fine. The tax people hit us with a huge tax bill.

2. Fig. to present someone with shocking or surprising news. He was shocked when she hit him with the news that she was leaving. Don't hit me with another piece of bad news!