hell
noun
Definitions of hell noun
- B2UncountableSingular
An extremely unpleasant or difficult situation or experience.
This job is like being in hell right now.
The past few months have been absolutely hellish.
The traffic jam was sheer hell.
- B2Singular
In some religions, the place where people are believed to be punished after death for their sins.
I am sure I will go to hell for doing such a terrible thing.
According to his beliefs, lying is a sin that sends you to hell.
In many cultures, hell is depicted as a place of fire and torment.
Phrases of hell noun
- make someone's life hell
To cause someone extreme difficulty and unhappiness, making their life very unpleasant.
• Since he moved in, his loud noises and late-night parties have been making my life hell.
exclamation
Definitions of hell exclamation
- B2Uncountable
Used to express anger, frustration, or emphasis.
Oh hell, I left my wallet at home!
What the hell, I spilled my coffee!
What the hell is he talking about?
Idioms
- hell on Earth
An extremely unpleasant or horrific place or situation.
• The war was hell on Earth for the local residents.
- hell for leather
To do something with great speed and energy; as fast as possible.
• Upon hearing the alarm, they ran hell for leather towards the exit.
- there'll be hell to pay
This idiom indicates that if a certain event occurs, someone will be extremely angry, and there will be serious negative consequences.
• If you lose my tools again, there'll be hell to pay.
- come hell or high water
Used to express a firm determination to accomplish something, regardless of any difficulties or obstacles that may arise.
• I will finish this report by the deadline, come hell or high water.
- what the hell
An expression of sudden disregard for a previous plan or intention, indicating a decision to do something else.
• I was supposed to go to bed early, but what the hell, I'll just watch one more episode.
- when hell freezes over
Used to emphasize that something will never happen.
• He promised to give us a raise after the company layoffs, which will happen when hell freezes over.
- hell of a
Used to emphasize the extreme degree of something or to describe something as exceptionally large.
• That was a hell of a concert.
- like hell
To a very great extent or degree; extremely.
• They ran like hell.
- for the hell of it
This idiom describes doing something without a specific purpose or intention, typically for enjoyment or on a whim.
• He decided to sign up for the marathon, just for the hell of it.
- from hell
Used to describe someone or something that is extremely bad, unpleasant, or difficult to deal with.
• The interview was an experience from hell; I've never been so nervous.
- go to hell and back
To have a very difficult or unpleasant experience, or to be in a situation that feels like it could have resulted in death.
• In the first few years of starting my business, I really went to hell and back.
- (as) ... as hell
Used to emphasize the extreme degree of an undesirable quality.
• That exam was as difficult as hell.
- all hell breaks loose
Used to describe a situation that suddenly becomes chaotic and violent, especially when people start arguing or fighting.
• When the coach announced that practice was cancelled, all hell broke loose.
- go to hell
An impolite expression used to angrily dismiss someone or express extreme displeasure.
• When he tried to justify his actions again, she roared, "Go to hell!"
- to hell
Used to express a very strong wish or hope for something to be true or to happen, often with a sense of exaggeration.
• I hope to hell he gets that report in on time.
- get the hell out of somewhere
To leave a place very quickly, often due to urgency or displeasure.
• They got the hell out of the building as soon as they heard the alarm.
- hell on earth
An extremely unpleasant place or situation; a terrible experience.
• Living in that slum was hell on earth.
- be hell on wheels
To behave in a manner that is extremely difficult, aggressive, or troublesome.
• John is hell on wheels on the court; he always competes hard and never gives up.
- beat the hell out of someone
to strike someone repeatedly and with great force; to inflict a severe beating upon someone.
• The thugs threatened to beat the hell out of him if he didn't hand over the money.
- annoy, frighten, scare, etc. the hell out of someone
To cause someone to feel extremely annoyed, frightened, or otherwise agitated.
• The car suddenly swerved out, scaring the hell out of me.
- be hell-bent on something
To be resolutely determined to achieve something, often without regard for potential risks or negative consequences.
• Despite his friends advising against it, he was hell-bent on finishing the extremely challenging marathon.
- give someone hell
To criticize someone severely or angrily.
• She gave me hell for being twenty minutes late to the meeting.
- to hell with someone/something
used to express a complete lack of concern or disregard for someone or something.
• I've had enough of this job, to hell with it all.
- the hell someone is/does, etc.
An expression used to convey strong disbelief or refusal, indicating that the speaker does not believe what someone has said or will not allow someone to do what they intend.
• "I don't need your help, I can definitely handle this myself!" "The hell you can!"