Turn on the waterworks

verb

To start crying or cry a lot, usually to get sympathy, attention or a favor.

She knew she was in trouble, so she turned on the waterworks to try and get out of it.
Visual representation of "turn on the waterworks" - To start crying or cry a lot, usually to get sympathy, attention or a favor

Often appears as...

  • turn on the waterworks to get sympathy
  • turn on the waterworks to avoid punishment

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

verb

To start crying or cry a lot, usually to get sympathy, attention or a favor.

She knew she was in trouble, so she turned on the waterworks to try and get out of it.
Visual representation of "turn on the waterworks" - To start crying or cry a lot, usually to get sympathy, attention or a favor

Often appears as...

  • turn on the waterworks to get sympathy
  • turn on the waterworks to avoid punishment

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "turn on the waterworks"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Manipulation

Used to describe someone who cries insincerely or exaggerates emotion to influence others.

Illustration for Emotional Manipulation
Whenever she wants something, she turns on the waterworks and suddenly everyone's on her side.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

The phrase doesn't mean actual water flowing, but refers to tears flowing like water from a tap.

Illustration for Not Literal
He didn't actually break any pipes; he just turned on the waterworks after losing his toy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

The expression often implies that the crying is strategic or fake rather than genuine.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The jury wasn't moved when the accused turned on the waterworks during the trial.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Manipulation

Used to describe someone who cries insincerely or exaggerates emotion to influence others.

Illustration for Emotional Manipulation
Whenever she wants something, she turns on the waterworks and suddenly everyone's on her side.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

The phrase doesn't mean actual water flowing, but refers to tears flowing like water from a tap.

Illustration for Not Literal
He didn't actually break any pipes; he just turned on the waterworks after losing his toy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

The expression often implies that the crying is strategic or fake rather than genuine.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The jury wasn't moved when the accused turned on the waterworks during the trial.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Manipulation

Used to describe someone who cries insincerely or exaggerates emotion to influence others.

Illustration for Emotional Manipulation
Whenever she wants something, she turns on the waterworks and suddenly everyone's on her side.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

The phrase doesn't mean actual water flowing, but refers to tears flowing like water from a tap.

Illustration for Not Literal
He didn't actually break any pipes; he just turned on the waterworks after losing his toy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Connotation

The expression often implies that the crying is strategic or fake rather than genuine.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The jury wasn't moved when the accused turned on the waterworks during the trial.
Visual representation of the word "Turn on the waterworks"

Never forget "Turn on the waterworks"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top