Like a ton of bricks
adverb
Very hard or mercilessly.
When he found out his employee lied to him, he came down on him like a ton of bricks.
Often appears as...
- come down like a ton of bricks
- hit like a ton of bricks
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, Idiomatic
adverb
Suddenly and unexpectedly.
The reality of her departure hit me like a ton of bricks.
Often appears as...
- hit like a ton of bricks
- feel like a ton of bricks
Usage tips
Informal
General, Idiomatic
adverb
Very hard or mercilessly.
When he found out his employee lied to him, he came down on him like a ton of bricks.
Often appears as...
- come down like a ton of bricks
- hit like a ton of bricks
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, Idiomatic
adverb
Suddenly and unexpectedly.
The reality of her departure hit me like a ton of bricks.
Often appears as...
- hit like a ton of bricks
- feel like a ton of bricks
Usage tips
Informal
General, Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Expression of Anger
Used when someone reacts with strong emotion, usually anger or disapproval.
When she cheated in the game, her friends came down on her like a ton of bricks.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Weight
Implies a heavy, overwhelming force or impact, often used metaphorically for an emotional or verbal barrage.
His critique was so intense; it felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on me.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Consequences
Suggests sudden, harsh repercussions for something done wrong.
After the prank, punishment from the school came down like a ton of bricks.
Pro Tip 1/3Expression of Anger
Used when someone reacts with strong emotion, usually anger or disapproval.
When she cheated in the game, her friends came down on her like a ton of bricks.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Weight
Implies a heavy, overwhelming force or impact, often used metaphorically for an emotional or verbal barrage.
His critique was so intense; it felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on me.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Consequences
Suggests sudden, harsh repercussions for something done wrong.
After the prank, punishment from the school came down like a ton of bricks.
Pro Tip 1/3Expression of Anger
Used when someone reacts with strong emotion, usually anger or disapproval.
When she cheated in the game, her friends came down on her like a ton of bricks.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Weight
Implies a heavy, overwhelming force or impact, often used metaphorically for an emotional or verbal barrage.
His critique was so intense; it felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on me.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Consequences
Suggests sudden, harsh repercussions for something done wrong.
After the prank, punishment from the school came down like a ton of bricks.
Never forget "Like a ton of bricks"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension