tide of tears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tide of tears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large outpouring of emotion, particularly sadness or grief, often in a poetic or dramatic context. Example: "After hearing the news, she was overwhelmed by a tide of tears that seemed to wash away her strength."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nauseous from medication, his face flush, his eyes blinking furiously  in the effort to stem a tide of tears, Joey Carney struggled to control his breathing.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And soon he will rise on a tide of them tears to embrace this land".

The New York Times

If we don't raise this question we allow ourselves to be carried along on a tide of emotion, Lily Allen-style with tears in our eyes.

The Guardian

Island of tears.

The New York Times

Lots of tears.

The New York Times

There were tears – lots of tears.

The Guardian

"A lot of tears.

The New York Times

And lots of tears.

The Guardian - Music

The vale of tears".

The Guardian - Books

And floods of tears.

The Guardian

There are lots of laughs, there are lots of tears, and the music is an integral player, calibrated by Mr. Canet to go with each group scene, as the vacationers run on the beach or hit the water — and the masks drop, the insults fly, the wine bottles empty, the tides go out, the boats become beached.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tide of tears" to depict a powerful and overwhelming emotional release, often in response to significant sadness or grief. It's most effective when describing a scene where the emotional impact is substantial and visible.

Common error

Avoid using "tide of tears" for minor sadness or everyday disappointments. The phrase implies a profound emotional experience, so using it inappropriately can weaken its impact and sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tide of tears" functions as a vivid metaphorical expression to describe an overwhelming outpouring of sadness. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered usable in written English. Examples show its use in news and media to describe emotional responses to significant events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tide of tears" is a powerful and commonly used phrase to describe an overwhelming outpouring of sadness or grief. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, particularly in journalistic contexts where evoking a strong emotional response is desired. While synonyms such as "flood of tears" or "wave of tears" exist, "tide of tears" effectively conveys the image of an unstoppable surge of emotion. Avoid using the phrase in situations where the sadness is minor, as this can diminish its impact. Top sources include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Flood of tears

This alternative uses "flood" instead of "tide", emphasizing the abundance and overwhelming nature of the tears.

Wave of tears

Replaces "tide" with "wave", highlighting the sudden and forceful nature of the emotional outburst.

Stream of tears

This suggests a continuous flow, a less intense but prolonged emotional expression compared to a "tide".

Outburst of weeping

Focuses on the act of weeping rather than the tears themselves, highlighting the sudden and uncontrolled release of emotion.

Gush of sorrow

Emphasizes the deep sorrow that underlies the tears, portraying it as a sudden and powerful outpouring.

Torrent of grief

Uses "torrent" to convey a strong and overwhelming flow of grief, similar to a "tide" but with a connotation of intensity.

River of sadness

Implies a long and continuous flow of sadness, more metaphorical and less sudden than a "tide".

Wellspring of emotion

Suggests a deep source of emotion from which tears originate, rather than just the tears themselves.

Sea of grief

Highlights the vastness and depth of the grief being experienced, using a broader metaphor than "tide".

Eruption of despair

Focuses on the sudden and explosive nature of the despair that causes the tears, emphasizing the intensity of the feeling.

FAQs

What does "tide of tears" mean?

The phrase "tide of tears" describes a large outpouring of emotion, particularly sadness or grief, suggesting an overwhelming and unstoppable surge of tears.

What can I say instead of "tide of tears"?

You can use alternatives like "flood of tears", "wave of tears", or "stream of tears" depending on the context.

Is "tide of tears" an overused phrase?

While not extremely rare, "tide of tears" is a somewhat dramatic phrase. Consider your audience and the context to ensure it fits the tone. Alternatives like "outburst of weeping" might be more appropriate in some cases.

How can I use "tide of tears" effectively in a sentence?

Use "tide of tears" when you want to emphasize the overwhelming nature of someone's sadness or grief. For example, "After hearing the devastating news, she was overcome by a "tide of tears"".