go through hell: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "go through hell" is a commonly used expression in American English. It conveys the idea of experiencing extreme hardship, difficulty, or suffering. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to religious beliefs and dramatic literature.

One possible origin of the expression "go through hell" is rooted in religious concepts of Hell as depicted in Christianity. In Christian theology, Hell is a place of eternal punishment and suffering. Therefore, when someone says they have "gone through hell," they are emphasizing the gravity and magnitude of their ordeal. It is a way of highlighting the extreme hardships they have faced and endured.

Another possible origin of the idiom can be found in the dramatic arts, particularly in literature and theater. Many classic plays and works of literature depict Hell as a place of suffering and torment. Characters in these works often endure various trials and tribulations, symbolizing journeys through Hell.

The idiom "go through hell" is typically used to express the challenging nature of a particular experience or situation. It conveys a sense of enduring immense difficulty and coming out on the other side, perhaps stronger or wiser. This idiom can be applied to a wide range of contexts, including personal struggles, professional setbacks, or even societal crises.

The related idiom "hell to pay" is often used in conjunction with "go through hell." This phrase implies that there will be severe consequences or punishments for one's actions or decisions. It adds an additional layer of intensity to the already challenging situation being described. For example, someone might say, "I knew there would be hell to pay when I made that mistake at work."

Similarly, the idiom "put through the wringer" can also be related to "go through hell." This phrase means to subject someone to a difficult or demanding experience. When someone is put through the wringer, they are being forced to endure a challenging situation or hardship. It amplifies the idea of going through a difficult ordeal, as if being wrung out like wet laundry. For example, someone might say, "After losing both her job and her home, she was really put through the wringer."

Additionally, the idiom "forty minutes of hell" is often used in sports contexts to describe a particularly intense period of gameplay. This phrase originated in basketball and refers to an aggressive, high-pressure style of play. It implies that the players are enduring a grueling and challenging experience as they strive for victory. "Forty minutes of hell" adds a sports-related element to the idiomatic expression "go through hell," emphasizing the physical and mental exertion involved.

Another related idiom, "hell on earth," is often used to describe a situation or place that is extremely unpleasant, difficult, or chaotic. It amplifies the idea of going through an intense and challenging experience, suggesting that it is as bad, or even worse, than Hell itself. For example, someone might say, "Living in a war-torn country is like hell on earth."

Lastly, the idiom "hell mend someone" is used to express the idea that someone deserves whatever misfortune befalls them as a result of their actions. It implies that the person should bear the consequences of their behavior or choices. While not directly related to "go through hell," this idiom adds another layer of meaning to the concept of enduring difficulty or suffering.

The idiom "go through hell" conveys the idea of enduring extreme hardship or suffering. It likely originated from religious beliefs about Hell and the theatrical representations of suffering in dramatic literature. This idiom is widely used in American English to describe individual or collective experiences marked by intense difficulty. It evokes sympathy and highlights the resilience of those who have faced and overcome challenging circumstances. The related idioms "hell to pay," "put through the wringer," "forty minutes of hell," "hell on earth," and "hell mend someone" all add depth and intensity to the concept of going through hell. Each of these idioms brings its own unique connotations and implications to the idea of enduring hardship.