hell

hell1 [ hel ] noun uncount ***

1. ) Hell in some religions, the place where bad people are sent to suffer for ever when they die. The place where good people go is called Heaven.

2. ) a situation that is extremely unpleasant:

It's been hell trying to keep this secret for so long.

absolute/pure/sheer/utter hell: For a sensitive child this ridicule can be sheer hell.

go through hell: She's been going through hell since her husband died.

a living hell (=a very frightening or upsetting experience): The past few days have been a living hell for both of us.

put someone through hell: He's put us all through hell in the last few weeks.

all hell breaks loose INFORMAL

used for saying that something happens that makes people angry or upset, and they start fighting or arguing:

All hell will break loose when my parents hear about this.

as hell SPOKEN

1. ) used for emphasizing something bad or unpleasant:

I was angry and hurt and jealous as hell.

The track is as bumpy as hell.

2. ) used for general emphasis:

I'm serious as hell. I'm leaving him.

(as) sure as hell: I know what you want, as sure as hell.

come hell or high water INFORMAL

even though there may be problems or difficulties:

I'm determined to get to the bottom of this, come hell or high water.

for the hell of it INFORMAL

just for fun, and not for any serious reason:

I kissed him just for the hell of it.

frighten/scare/beat/kick the hell out of someone INFORMAL

to frighten or hurt someone very badly

the something from hell INFORMAL

an especially difficult or unpleasant example of a person or thing:

the holiday from hell

get the hell out SPOKEN

to leave a place as quickly as you can:

We better get the hell out of here.

give someone hell INFORMAL

to be very angry with someone or treat them severely:

Caroline would give me hell if she thought I'd lied.

go to hell SPOKEN

used for telling someone angrily to go away or stop annoying you

someone has been to hell and back INFORMAL

someone has suffered a lot or has had bad experiences

hell for leather INFORMAL

very quickly or with a lot of effort

hell freezes over INFORMAL

used for saying that something is very unlikely to happen

hell hath no fury (like a woman scorned)

used for saying that a woman who cannot make someone love her can be extremely angry

hell on earth INFORMAL

an extremely unpleasant situation or place

hell on wheels AMERICAN SPOKEN

someone or something that causes a lot of trouble

hell's bells OLD-FASHIONED

used for showing anger or great surprise

like hell SPOKEN

1. ) with a lot of speed or effort:

I got out of the truck and ran like hell.

2. ) VERY INFORMAL used for showing that you doubt something or do not believe it:

He'll change his mind. Like hell he will!

look/feel like hell SPOKEN

to look or feel very sick or tired

not a hope/chance in hell INFORMAL

no hope or chance at all

a/one hell of a SPOKEN

1. ) used for emphasizing what you are saying:

It must be a hell of a job trying to organize all this information.

2. ) used for emphasizing how good something is:

Everyone thinks you're one hell of a guy.

raise hell INFORMAL

1. ) to make a lot of noise or trouble:

Young people were getting drunk and raising hell.

2. ) to complain loudly

there'll be hell to pay INFORMAL

used for saying that someone will be in a lot of trouble

to hell with SPOKEN

used for showing that you are angry with someone or something and do not care about them any more

what the hell SPOKEN

used for showing that something does not matter

=> BAT1

hell

hell 2 [ hel ] interjection INFORMAL

1. ) used for showing that you are angry or annoyed:

Hell, what have I done with that piece of paper?

2. ) used for emphasis:

Hell, when was the last time he took a day off?