cry like hell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cry like hell" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong emotion, usually an intense feeling of sorrow, frustration, or anger. For example: "I was so angry at him that I wanted to cry like hell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"He went on stage and said he's very happy, and then suddenly he began to cry like hell.

The Guardian - Film

"I used to cry like hell," she says, laughing a little.

Vice

A few lyrics of Cry to Heaven begin rather sweet, but turning rather bitter: (Cry baby cry/Cry, cry to heaven/If that doesn't do it for you/Go ahead and cry like hell).

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Kristina's like, "Hell no.

Huffington Post

Weaned on personal misfortune and fired by rage against social injustice, she was the very embodiment of her famous rallying cry, "Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living".

The New York Times - Books

That sounds like hell on earth, and they're making Jesus cry.

Huffington Post

They hurt like hell.

The New Yorker

Then run like hell.

The New Yorker

They tried like hell.

The New Yorker

Like hell he would.

The New Yorker

Sounds like hell.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cry like hell" to vividly express extreme sadness, frustration, or pain. Be mindful of your audience, as it's an informal expression.

Common error

Avoid using "cry like hell" in formal writing or professional communications. It is better suited for informal settings or creative writing where a strong emotional impact is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry like hell" functions as an idiomatic expression, emphasizing the intensity and vehemence of crying. As noted by Ludwig AI, it conveys a strong emotion like sorrow, frustration, or anger.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cry like hell" is an informal idiom used to express intense sadness, frustration, or anger. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for informal contexts. While not frequently used, examples show it appears in news media and wiki sources. For more formal situations, consider alternatives such as "weep profusely" or "sob uncontrollably". Avoid using "cry like hell" in professional or academic writing to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cry one's heart out

Highlights the emotional depth and heartbreak associated with the crying.

bawl one's eyes out

Uses a more graphic and common idiom to describe intense crying.

sob uncontrollably

Emphasizes the lack of control over the crying, conveying a strong emotional state.

burst into tears

Implies a sudden and forceful onset of crying.

weep profusely

Replaces the idiomatic "like hell" with a more formal adjective, focusing on the intensity of weeping.

break down in tears

Focuses on the act of succumbing to tears, suggesting a loss of composure.

shed tears copiously

A more formal way of saying someone is crying a lot, focusing on the abundance of tears.

cry buckets

Similar to 'cry a river', emphasizing the large quantity of tears shed.

cry a river

Exaggerates the amount of tears shed, implying great sadness or drama.

have a good cry

Suggests a deliberate act of crying for emotional release.

FAQs

What does it mean to "cry like hell"?

To "cry like hell" means to cry intensely or uncontrollably, often expressing deep sadness, anger, or frustration.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cry like hell"?

The phrase "cry like hell" is appropriate in informal settings or creative writing where you want to emphasize strong emotion. Avoid it in formal or professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to "cry like hell"?

Alternatives include "weep profusely", "sob uncontrollably", or "cry one's heart out", depending on the context.

Is "cry like hell" grammatically correct?

Yes, "cry like hell" is grammatically correct, although it's an informal and idiomatic expression.