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Turn on the waterworks

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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.
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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.
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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"

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