burst into tears: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘burst into tears’ mean?
The idiom "burst into tears" means to suddenly start crying uncontrollably or with great intensity.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom used to describe someone who is in an emotional or mental state of extreme agitation, distress, or confusion.
The idiom "hit the roof" means to become very angry or furious about something.
The idiom "heart-shattering" refers to something extremely painful or devastating emotionally, causing great sorrow or grief.
The idiom "have a fit" means to become extremely angry, upset, or emotional about something.
The idiom "go wild" means to become extremely excited or enthusiastic, often losing control of one's behavior or actions.
The idiom "go bananas" means to become extremely excited, agitated, or irrational. It is often used to describe someone losing control of their emotions or behaving in a wild and unpredictable manner.
The idiom "go ballistic" means to become extremely angry or to lose control of one's emotions in a very intense and explosive manner.
The idiom "fall into" means to unexpectedly begin or find oneself in a particular state, situation, or condition.
The idiom "fall apart" means to lose control or fail dramatically. It is often used to describe a situation or person that is experiencing a sudden and complete breakdown.
Unleashing Emotions
The idiom "burst out laughing" is a related phrase that conveys a similar idea to "burst into tears." Just as "burst into tears" describes a sudden and intense display of crying or weeping, "burst out laughing" refers to a sudden and intense outburst of laughter. This idiom suggests a spontaneous and uncontrollable reaction to something funny or amusing. It implies a lack of control over one's laughter, often characterized by the suddenness and intensity of the outburst.
In addition to "burst out laughing," another related idiom is "bawl one's eyes out." This expression is used to describe a prolonged and intense bout of crying or weeping. It conveys the idea of crying uncontrollably and inconsolably, often in response to extreme sadness or grief. Similar to "burst into tears," the idiom "bawl one's eyes out" emphasizes the intensity and emotional release associated with crying.
These related idioms, "burst out laughing" and "bawl one's eyes out," highlight the contrasting emotions that can be expressed through a sudden and intense outburst. While "burst into tears" conveys a reaction to distressing or overwhelming situations, "burst out laughing" represents a response to something funny or amusing. Conversely, "bawl one's eyes out" portrays an emotional release in response to sadness or grief. These idioms offer a glimpse into the range of human emotions and the varied ways in which they can be expressed.
The idiomatic usage of "burst into tears" in various contexts underscores the universal nature of human emotions and the power of words to capture our experiences. Whether it is in literature, everyday conversations, or media, this idiom is frequently employed to convey the sudden and intense emotional response of individuals. It serves to enhance the clarity and impact of descriptions, allowing readers or listeners to better understand the depth of someone's emotional state.
Example usage
Examples:
1. When she heard the sad news, she burst into tears and couldn't stop crying.
2. As soon as the teacher scolded him in front of the whole class, the little boy burst into tears.
3. After the long and exhausting day at work, I finally arrived home, collapsed on the couch, and burst into tears of frustration.
More "Emotion" idioms
