went through the ceiling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "went through the ceiling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has exceeded expectations or limits, often in a surprising or dramatic way. Example: "When the news of the promotion was announced, her excitement went through the ceiling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I nearly went through the ceiling".

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Books

The shot went through the ceiling and a bed in an upstairs room, before lodging in the roof.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The bomb hit the tenement and went through the ceilings and floors of four storeys without injuring anyone.

BBC

It's going 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

"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

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 "went through the ceiling" to vividly express a strong, often unexpected, reaction or a significant increase that surpasses expectations. It's more impactful than simply saying something 'increased' or 'was high'.

Common error

Be mindful of the context. While "went through the ceiling" can be used literally, it's more often used figuratively. Ensure your audience understands the intended meaning to avoid confusion; otherwise, opt for a more direct phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went through the ceiling" functions primarily as an idiom, indicating exceeding a limit or boundary, often in a dramatic or unexpected way. Ludwig suggests it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "went through the ceiling" is a grammatically correct idiom used to express exceeding expectations, a strong reaction, or a literal breach. Ludwig confirms its usability. It's most commonly found in news and media, as well as in Wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. Alternatives include "hit the roof" or "skyrocketed". While not very common, the idiom is effective for vividly conveying intensity and emphasis in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hit the roof

A common idiom expressing extreme anger or excitement; shares the figurative sense of exceeding a limit.

skyrocketed

Implies a rapid and significant increase, mirroring the 'going through' aspect of exceeding a boundary.

reached new heights

Indicates exceeding previous levels, similar to breaking through a barrier.

exceeded all expectations

Focuses on surpassing anticipated limits, akin to breaking through a defined ceiling.

broke the barrier

Highlights the overcoming of a limitation, directly relating to breaking through a physical or figurative ceiling.

shattered the limit

Emphasizes the forceful surpassing of a boundary, mirroring the impact implied in 'going through'.

pierced the upper limit

Suggests a sharp and decisive breach of a maximum level, comparable to penetrating a ceiling.

burst through the confines

Implies a forceful escape or breakthrough from a restrictive space, akin to exceeding constraints.

passed the maximum

Simply indicates surpassing the highest allowable level, a less vivid alternative.

transcended limitations

Focuses on rising above restrictive constraints, echoing the sense of overcoming a ceiling.

FAQs

How can I use "went through the ceiling" in a sentence?

The phrase "went through the ceiling" is used to express a situation where something has exceeded expectations or limits. For example, "When his son was released, his excitement "went through the ceiling"".

What can I say instead of "went through the ceiling"?

Alternatives to "went through the ceiling" include "hit the roof", "skyrocketed", or "exceeded all expectations" depending on the context.

Is "went through the ceiling" an idiom?

Yes, "went through the ceiling" is an idiom. While it can sometimes be used literally, it commonly expresses extreme excitement or a rapid increase beyond what is expected.

Which is correct, "went through the ceiling" or "went through the roof"?

Both "went through the ceiling" and "went through the roof" are idioms with similar meanings. The choice often depends on regional preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. Both describe something exceeding expectations or limits.