Do you know someone who is following their own head into a reckless situation and need a term that describes what they are running into? The term 'hill to die on' is a popular expression that can be used to say what you need. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this saying.
Meaning
The expression 'hill to die on' is a common saying that is said to mean that someone is heading into a reckless situation, or that someone is about to take on a situation that is a metaphorical “suicide mission”.
The term 'hill to die on' means that someone is approaching a situation with unbeatable odds or something that is extremely unlikely to be successful.
The term is rarely used for self-reference and it is usually said by a third-party who is observing the behavior or actions of someone else. However even though it is rare, the term can be used to self-reference a situation too.
Someone can 'choose a hill to die on' or 'find a hill to die on' as alternative usage of the same expression.
Depending on the tense that is being used, the expression can also be changed to 'choosing' or 'finding' a hill to die on.
There is no accepted plural use of the expression 'hill to die on' and the expression never refers to more than one figurative “hill”.
Example Usage
“If you're going to go over to their house and tell them what their son did yesterday, then you might as well just find a hill to die on and get it over with. There's no nice way to say it.”
“There's no point in moving to California for a job that I don't know I'm even going to get. It's just like I'm going there to find a hill to die on.”
”Don't tell them that you don't like Britney Spears. They have about four albums that they play back-to-back and you might as well just find yourself a hill to die on.”
“There's not much I can say about this suicide mission you're planning. Instead of going bowling against the best team in the state this weekend, why don't you just find another hill to die on.”
Origin
The origin and first use of the term 'hill to die on' is accepted as something that is generally difficult to trace by the majority of language experts, and no resources expressly point out when the term might first have been used.
The origin of the saying 'hill to die on' is believed to have come from the military tactic of seeking higher ground for combat.
Often, the tactic has led to the opposite effect when used in real tactical situations, which means that finding 'a hill' for any situation of conflict means that the situation will almost certainly be unsuccessful in outcome (or be perceived to be by others).
The term has become popular in the 21st century with its increased use as an online saying (particularly in online role-playing games), and the term has also seen widespread use as a pop culture reference (e.g. as a band name).
Phrases Similar to Hill to Die On
- Pick your battles
Phrases Opposite to Hill to Die On
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- [Finding] a hill to die on
- A hill to die on
Ways People May Say Hill to Die On Incorrectly
There are several ways to use the term 'hill to die on' in the incorrect way, including to use the term literally.
Since there is no physical 'hill' being represented in this expression, it is impossible for anyone to have found a “hill to die on” even though the expression says it.
There is no acceptable plural form, and the term sticks to the use of the term 'hill' alone.
The term 'hill to die on' refers to a situation where a successful income is seen to be difficult or unlikely.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Hill to Die On
The right way to use the term 'hill to die on' is to use it to refer to a situation where a successful outcome is perceived to be an unlikely one.