[Vocabulary] hit the brakes

- Hit the brakes!

Can this expression be used both for bikes and motorbikes and for other means of transport such as cars, buses and so on...or I'd better use simply "brake" for cars and buses?

Is there an actual difference between: to hit the brakes AND to brake?

It depends on context, too. It could be used figuratively.

You can use the phrase "hit the brakes" for any vehicle that has brakes. What makes you think a car or a bus only has one brake?

Mind you, it only has one brake pedal, but it has a brake on each wheel.

SoothingDave said:

You can use the phrase "hit the brakes" for any vehicle that has brakes. What makes you think a car or a bus only has one brake?

Mind you, it only has one brake pedal, but it has a brake on each wheel.

Click to expand...

ok...I thought that "to hit the brakes" was mostly used for bikes and motobikes and the simple verb "to brake" for cars and similar thing...;-) thanks so much for the explanation.

"Brake" is rather neutral. "Hit the brakes" is more for sudden and strong braking. If a deer runs out into the middle of the road, you would hit your brakes.