A/one hell of a…
idiomatic expression
Used for emphasis with adjectives to say something or someone is very good, bad, impressive, etc.
He's a hell of a good player.
Often appears as...
- a hell of a good time
- a hell of a job
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, Idiomatic
idiomatic expression
Used to emphasize that there is a lot of something.
We had a hell of a lot of problems getting the system to work.
Often appears as...
- a hell of a lot
- a hell of a lot to do
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, Idiomatic
idiomatic expression
Used for emphasis with adjectives to say something or someone is very good, bad, impressive, etc.
He's a hell of a good player.
Often appears as...
- a hell of a good time
- a hell of a job
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, Idiomatic
idiomatic expression
Used to emphasize that there is a lot of something.
We had a hell of a lot of problems getting the system to work.
Often appears as...
- a hell of a lot
- a hell of a lot to do
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase adds strong emotion, like excitement, admiration, or frustration.
That match was one hell of an intense game!
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
Use it in informal conversations rather than formal or written English.
She threw one hell of a party last night.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive or Negative
It can be used to describe both very good and very bad situations.
He's in one hell of a predicament now.
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