All hell broke loose
phrase
Situation becomes chaotic or out of control.
When the police arrived at the protest, all hell broke loose.
Often appears as...
- suddenly all hell broke loose
- the moment all hell broke loose
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
Situation becomes chaotic or out of control.
When the police arrived at the protest, all hell broke loose.
Often appears as...
- suddenly all hell broke loose
- the moment all hell broke loose
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Idiomatic Usage
Used to describe a sudden, intense situation - often negative or involving conflict.
When the verdict was read, all hell broke loose in the courtroom.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Sense
This phrase is not about real hell; it's used to give a strong image of disorder.
When the fire alarm sounded, all hell broke loose as everyone scrambled to exit.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
Most appropriate in casual conversation or artistic expressions, not formal situations.
After the last-minute goal, all hell broke loose among the fans.
Pro Tip 1/3Idiomatic Usage
Used to describe a sudden, intense situation - often negative or involving conflict.
When the verdict was read, all hell broke loose in the courtroom.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Sense
This phrase is not about real hell; it's used to give a strong image of disorder.
When the fire alarm sounded, all hell broke loose as everyone scrambled to exit.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
Most appropriate in casual conversation or artistic expressions, not formal situations.
After the last-minute goal, all hell broke loose among the fans.
Pro Tip 1/3Idiomatic Usage
Used to describe a sudden, intense situation - often negative or involving conflict.
When the verdict was read, all hell broke loose in the courtroom.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Sense
This phrase is not about real hell; it's used to give a strong image of disorder.
When the fire alarm sounded, all hell broke loose as everyone scrambled to exit.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
Most appropriate in casual conversation or artistic expressions, not formal situations.
After the last-minute goal, all hell broke loose among the fans.
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