go through the ceiling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'go through the ceiling' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe when a sound or emotion becomes so loud or intense that it creates a feeling of being overwhelming. For example: "The cheering from the crowd was so loud we thought it was going to go through the ceiling!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We'll go through the ceiling," Mr. Sklaroff said.

The New York Times

"We will not go through the ceiling," the pediatrician Hans van Wieringen assured me, after summarizing national height surveys that he had coördinated.

The New Yorker

If they could ever get across on television what a driver goes through, this sport would go through the ceiling.

Forbes

If you step in the wrong place you will go through the ceiling of your home!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's going through the ceiling.

The New York Times

"I nearly went through the ceiling".

The New York Times

"Property values have just gone through the ceiling".

The New York Times

Museum attendance rates even have gone through the ceiling".

The Guardian - Arts

"A reporter said, 'Of course you publish because of Shawn.' I went through the ceiling".

The New York Times - Books

Unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission "puts a firm cost-based ceiling on prices," he said, "we are in imminent danger of these prices going through the ceiling".

The New York Times

"Flavored milks are going through the ceiling," says Jeff Manning, executive director of the California Milk Processor Board and one of the creators of the "Got Milk" campaign.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go through the ceiling" to emphasize a sudden, extreme increase or reaction, making your writing more vivid and engaging. This idiom is particularly effective when describing emotions or economic trends.

Common error

Avoid using "go through the ceiling" in situations where a literal breach of a ceiling is described. Reserve it for figurative scenarios involving extreme increases or reactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go through the ceiling" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It conveys a figurative meaning, indicating a rapid and extreme increase or reaction. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go through the ceiling" is a versatile idiom used to describe a rapid and significant increase or reaction. Ludwig AI shows that it's most common in news and media, but also appears in wikis and formal business contexts. While generally neutral, its informal nature makes it more suitable for engaging and descriptive writing rather than highly formal settings. When using this phrase, remember it's figurative and best applied to emphasize the magnitude of a change, ensuring it aligns with the context. Consider using synonyms like "skyrocket" or "increase exponentially" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go through the roof

A very similar idiom, interchangeable with "go through the ceiling" in most contexts, suggesting a sharp increase.

skyrocket

Indicates a rapid and significant increase, similar to prices "going through the ceiling", but lacks the idiomatic flavor.

hit the stratosphere

Figuratively suggests reaching very high levels, similar to a rapid increase.

increase exponentially

More formal and technical, describing a very rapid increase, but less vivid than the original phrase.

reach unprecedented levels

Indicates reaching new heights, which aligns with the concept of "going through the ceiling".

surge

Implies a sudden and powerful increase, akin to "go through the ceiling", but less emphatic.

escalate rapidly

Describes a quick increase in intensity or degree, similar in meaning but more formal.

rise sharply

A general term for an increase, lacking the dramatic effect of "go through the ceiling".

jump drastically

Highlights a significant and sudden change, comparable but less figurative.

climb steeply

Suggests a rapid and pronounced increase, but lacks the expressive power of the idiom.

FAQs

What does "go through the ceiling" mean?

The idiom "go through the ceiling" means to increase rapidly and dramatically, often beyond what is expected or considered normal. It is commonly used to describe prices, emotions, or other measurable quantities that experience a sudden surge.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "go through the ceiling"?

Use "go through the ceiling" when you want to emphasize the intensity and suddenness of an increase. It's appropriate when describing situations where something has risen far beyond its previous level, creating a sense of surprise or alarm. For similar meanings you could say "go through the roof".

What are some alternatives to "go through the ceiling"?

Alternatives to "go through the ceiling" include "skyrocket", "increase exponentially", or "rise sharply". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "go through the ceiling" formal or informal?

"Go through the ceiling" is generally considered an informal idiom. While acceptable in many contexts, it might be best to choose a more formal alternative like "reach unprecedented levels" in academic or professional writing.