When someone says "crying waterworks" or "turning on the waterworks," it means a person is crying profusely and often dramatically, implying a significant or even excessive outpouring of tears. This informal phrase suggests a situation where tears flow like water from a complex plumbing system.
Understanding the Phrase
The idiom "turn on the waterworks" is typically used in an informal context to describe someone who begins to cry, often with the specific aim of eliciting sympathy or a desired reaction from others. It suggests a deliberate or over-the-top display of emotion rather than a simple, subdued cry.
The Metaphor Behind the Phrase
The term "waterworks" literally refers to a system of pumps, pipes, and reservoirs that distribute water, such as a municipal water supply. When applied to crying, the metaphor evokes the image of a vast and controlled system suddenly being opened, allowing a large volume of water (tears) to flow freely and continuously. It emphasizes the quantity and intensity of the crying.
When Is This Phrase Used?
The phrase "crying waterworks" is commonly used in various informal situations where someone's crying is notable for its volume, duration, or perceived manipulative intent.
- Emotional Outbursts: Describing someone overwhelmed with emotion, crying uncontrollably.
- Seeking Sympathy: A child crying loudly after being told "no" to get a toy, or an adult using tears to avoid consequences.
- Dramatic Displays: When someone's crying seems exaggerated or performative, perhaps to draw attention.
- Sudden Onset of Tears: When tears start flowing quickly and unexpectedly.
Characteristics of "Turning on the Waterworks"
- Profuse Tears: The most defining characteristic is the sheer volume of tears shed.
- Emotional Intensity: While sometimes genuine, the phrase often implies a heightened, sometimes overly dramatic, emotional display.
- Potential for Manipulation: A key aspect is the informal suggestion that the crying might be intentional to gain a specific outcome, such as sympathy, attention, or to avoid blame.
- Informal Usage: It's a colloquial expression used in casual conversation rather than formal settings.
For example, if a child falls and immediately bursts into loud, sustained wails even without a significant injury, a parent might jokingly remark, "Well, they certainly turned on the waterworks!" Similarly, if someone starts crying intensely during an argument to shift the focus, one might observe they "turned on the waterworks" to get their way.
