wave of tears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wave of tears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming outpouring of emotion, particularly sadness or grief. Example: "After hearing the news, she was hit by a wave of tears that she couldn't control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

My voice was tight, choking back a wave of tears.

The New York Times

"Still, emotions did run high," she said, explaining that no sooner had she let out a sigh of relief, having safely escorted all her students down the block, then a wave of tears swept across the class.

The New York Times

I am tired of defending myself against the boring, inevitable accusations of flirting with Paul Hollywood, of emotionally manipulating the judges and of somehow surfing into the final on a tidal wave of tears.

The Guardian - Opinion

Borne on a wave of tears, righteous indignation and flat Guinness, thousands of dejected Irish football fans were arriving home from Paristoday to a country united in fury and mourning over its controversial ejection from the World Cup finals next summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Although it may not be the first screen musical to feature live-on-set singing, Les Misérables (2012, Universal, 12) is certainly the most ambitious, a huge, sweeping epic that produced a tidal wave of tears when it opened in UK cinemas.

The Guardian - Film

Tandoh, who chef Raymond Blanc suggested was too thin to enjoy food, said she was "tired" of defending herself against the "boring, inevitable accusations of flirting with Paul Hollywood, of emotionally manipulating the judges and of somehow surfing into the final on a tidal wave of tears".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But on that day, the king unleashed his police force, and every effort at demonstrating was met by a wave of tear gas and rubber bullets.

The New York Times

They had been sprayed, it turned out, with the same wave of tear gas I had walked into three blocks down the street.

Vice

"We're getting multiple offers on just about everything," said Barry Sulpor, an agent with Shorewood Realtors in Manhattan Beach, where he said there is a new wave of tear-downs and new construction in prime beachfront locations.

Los Angeles Times

But most people I talked to agreed that both sides had guns, and several said that protestors fired birdshot which is potentially, but rarely, deadly at the army after the first wave of tear gas.

Vice

Most people I talked to agreed that both sides had guns, and several said that protesters fired birdshot – which is potentially, but rarely, deadly – at the army after the first wave of tear gas.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wave of tears" to describe a sudden, intense, and often uncontrollable emotional reaction marked by crying. It's more impactful than simply saying someone cried.

Common error

Avoid using "wave of tears" in contexts where the emotion is mild or expected. It suggests a significant emotional event, so reserve it for moments of genuine intensity to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave of tears" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a sudden and intense emotional experience marked by crying. Ludwig examples show it used to describe both personal and collective emotional responses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wave of tears" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a sudden and overwhelming outpouring of sadness or grief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally correct and widely used in diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While phrases like "flood of tears" or "surge of tears" offer similar connotations, it's important to use "wave of tears" judiciously, reserving it for scenarios where the emotional impact is genuinely significant to avoid diminishing its effect. Remember that a "wave of tears" signifies a substantial emotional experience, and its impact is strongest when used in appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flood of tears

Emphasizes the abundance and unstoppable nature of the tears.

surge of tears

Highlights the sudden and powerful onset of the tears.

burst of tears

Focuses on the suddenness and immediacy of the emotional release.

outburst of weeping

Refers to a sudden and uncontrolled expression of grief through crying.

torrent of tears

Implies a continuous and heavy flow of tears, like a strong current.

stream of tears

Suggests a steady and uninterrupted flow of tears.

gush of tears

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful release of tears.

eruption of sorrow

Shifts the focus from the physical tears to the intense emotional experience.

fit of crying

Describes a period of intense and uncontrollable crying.

onslaught of grief

Highlights the overwhelming and forceful nature of the sadness experienced.

FAQs

How can I use "wave of tears" in a sentence?

You can use "wave of tears" to describe a sudden and overwhelming emotional response characterized by crying. For example: "The news of the loss was met with a "wave of tears" from everyone present."

What's a good alternative to "wave of tears"?

Alternatives to "wave of tears" include "flood of tears", "surge of tears", or "burst of tears", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wave of tears" a cliché?

While "wave of tears" is a fairly common expression, it's not necessarily a cliché. Its effectiveness depends on the context and how vividly it portrays the emotional experience. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Using a fresh, related image such as a "torrent of tears" could make your writing more original.

What kind of situations are appropriate for describing someone being overcome by a "wave of tears"?

Describing someone as being overcome by a "wave of tears" is most appropriate in situations involving significant grief, loss, overwhelming sadness, or intense emotional release. It suggests a powerful and immediate reaction to a specific event or realization.