To hell and back

usgb
phrase

Experience severe difficulties or hardship.

I've been to hell and back trying to finish this project on time.
Visual representation of "to hell and back" - Experience severe difficulties or hardship

Often appears as...

  • been to hell and back
  • go to hell and back

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "to hell and back"
LampPro 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.
LampPro 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.
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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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