To hell and back
phrase
Experience severe difficulties or hardship.
I've been to hell and back trying to finish this project on time.
Often appears as...
- been to hell and back
- go to hell and back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Survive a very dangerous or threatening situation.
He went to hell and back during his military service.
Often appears as...
- been to hell and back
- go to hell and back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Experience severe difficulties or hardship.
I've been to hell and back trying to finish this project on time.
Often appears as...
- been to hell and back
- go to hell and back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Survive a very dangerous or threatening situation.
He went to hell and back during his military service.
Often appears as...
- been to hell and back
- go to hell and back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Represents surviving tough situations, not actual travel to hell.
Starting that business was like going to hell and back.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
Conveys strong feelings of stress or trauma from past events.
After the loss of her job, she felt like she’d been to hell and back.
Pro Tip 3/3Narrative Dramatization
Adds drama to stories when describing difficult experiences.
He recounted his journey to hell and back after escaping the wildfire.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Represents surviving tough situations, not actual travel to hell.
Starting that business was like going to hell and back.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
Conveys strong feelings of stress or trauma from past events.
After the loss of her job, she felt like she’d been to hell and back.
Pro Tip 3/3Narrative Dramatization
Adds drama to stories when describing difficult experiences.
He recounted his journey to hell and back after escaping the wildfire.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Represents surviving tough situations, not actual travel to hell.
Starting that business was like going to hell and back.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
Conveys strong feelings of stress or trauma from past events.
After the loss of her job, she felt like she’d been to hell and back.
Pro Tip 3/3Narrative Dramatization
Adds drama to stories when describing difficult experiences.
He recounted his journey to hell and back after escaping the wildfire.
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