All hell broke loose

usgb
phrase

Situation becomes chaotic or out of control.

When the police arrived at the protest, all hell broke loose.
Visual representation of "all hell broke loose" - Situation becomes chaotic or out of control

Often appears as...

  • suddenly all hell broke loose
  • the moment all hell broke loose

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "all hell broke loose"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Usage

Used to describe a sudden, intense situation - often negative or involving conflict.

Illustration for Idiomatic Usage
When the verdict was read, all hell broke loose in the courtroom.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Sense

This phrase is not about real hell; it's used to give a strong image of disorder.

Illustration for Figurative Sense
When the fire alarm sounded, all hell broke loose as everyone scrambled to exit.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal Context

Most appropriate in casual conversation or artistic expressions, not formal situations.

Illustration for Informal Context
After the last-minute goal, all hell broke loose among the fans.
Visual representation of the word "All hell broke loose"

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