English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
Street

over the hump

What does over the hump mean?

Reaching the halfway mark of one's sentence, after which the remaining time feels like downhill.

"Once he got over the hump, the years went faster."

Origin

From 'over the hump' meaning past the hardest point.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'over the hump' mean in prison?
It means having served past the halfway point of a sentence, after which the remaining time feels like it goes faster.
Where does 'over the hump' come from?
It comes from the general expression 'over the hump,' meaning past the hardest or highest point.
How is 'over the hump' used?
You might say 'Once he got over the hump, the years went faster,' describing life after the sentence midpoint.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.