End in tears
phrase
To finish or conclude in disappointment or negative outcomes.
He advised his friend against the risky business venture, predicting it would end in tears.
Often appears as...
- it's going to end in tears
- this will end in tears
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To finish or conclude in disappointment or negative outcomes.
He advised his friend against the risky business venture, predicting it would end in tears.
Often appears as...
- it's going to end in tears
- this will end in tears
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Expectation
Use when you expect something to fail or end badly, not just for literal crying.
Ignoring the warning signs, they went ahead, but it's bound to end in tears.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Outcome
Implies a strong emotional response, like disappointment or sadness, not just physical tears.
The farewell party was bittersweet, knowing it would ultimately end in tears.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
It's often used figuratively, meaning the situation could be very upsetting or disastrous.
Taking such a risky shortcut might save time, but it will probably end in tears.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Expectation
Use when you expect something to fail or end badly, not just for literal crying.
Ignoring the warning signs, they went ahead, but it's bound to end in tears.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Outcome
Implies a strong emotional response, like disappointment or sadness, not just physical tears.
The farewell party was bittersweet, knowing it would ultimately end in tears.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
It's often used figuratively, meaning the situation could be very upsetting or disastrous.
Taking such a risky shortcut might save time, but it will probably end in tears.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Expectation
Use when you expect something to fail or end badly, not just for literal crying.
Ignoring the warning signs, they went ahead, but it's bound to end in tears.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Outcome
Implies a strong emotional response, like disappointment or sadness, not just physical tears.
The farewell party was bittersweet, knowing it would ultimately end in tears.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
It's often used figuratively, meaning the situation could be very upsetting or disastrous.
Taking such a risky shortcut might save time, but it will probably end in tears.
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