What does “All hell broke loose” mean?
"All hell broke loose" means that a chaotic and uncontrollable situation occurred.
What context can I use the in?
Example
When the fire alarm went off, all hell broke loose as people rushed to evacuate.
Example
As soon as the referee made a controversial call, all hell broke loose on the soccer field.
Example
When the news of the scandal broke, all hell broke loose in the political world
Is “All hell broke loose” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“All hell broke loose” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “All hell broke loose” effectively in context?
You can use "All hell broke loose" to describe a situation that suddenly becomes chaotic, uncontrollable, or filled with intense emotions. It emphasizes the sudden and dramatic nature of the event. For example, if there is a sudden outbreak of violence at a peaceful protest, you might say, 'When the police started using tear gas, all hell broke loose.'
- 1Emergency
When the fire alarm went off, all hell broke loose as people rushed to evacuate.
- 2Sports
As soon as the referee made a controversial call, all hell broke loose on the soccer field.
- 3Politics
When the news of the scandal broke, all hell broke loose in the political world.
Similar phrases to “All hell broke loose”:
Wild and noisy disorder or confusion
Example
When the concert started, pandemonium broke out as fans rushed towards the stage.
Chaos ensued
A state of confusion and disorder that follows a disruptive event
Example
After the power outage, chaos ensued as people tried to find their way in the dark.
A state of violent or chaotic disorder
Example
When the riot broke out, mayhem erupted in the streets.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “All hell broke loose” come from?
The origin of the phrase "All hell broke loose" is unknown.
Is “All hell broke loose” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "All hell broke loose" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to vividly describe situations that quickly become chaotic or out of control.
What tone does “All hell broke loose” have?
"All hell broke loose" conveys a tone of intensity and urgency. It is typically used to describe situations that are filled with strong emotions and where things quickly spiral out of control.
Can “All hell broke loose” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "All hell broke loose" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to add emphasis or create a vivid description.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'When the news broke, all hell broke loose.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'All hell broke loose!' to express the sudden chaos or intensity of a situation.
