Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Be hard hit

Severely affected by something unpleasant

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "be hard hit" is severely affected by something unpleasant. It is an informal expression that means to be greatly harmed or injured by something. The idiom is thought to have originated in the 19th century, and it is believed to be a reference to the way that a person who is hit hard by something is likely to be injured.

The other options for the meaning of the idiom are incorrect.

• An extreme struggle does not mean be hard hit.
• To speak something unpleasant does not mean be hard hit.
• To hit someone hard does not mean be hard hit.