To hell and back

Definition 1 of 2

Pro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

Represents surviving tough situations, not actual travel to hell.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use

Starting that business was like going to hell and back.

Pro Tip 2/3

Emotional Weight

Conveys strong feelings of stress or trauma from past events.

Illustration for Emotional Weight

After the loss of her job, she felt like she’d been to hell and back.

Pro Tip 3/3

Narrative Dramatization

Adds drama to stories when describing difficult experiences.

Illustration for Narrative Dramatization

He recounted his journey to hell and back after escaping the wildfire.

Visual representation of the word "To hell and back"

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