Turn on the waterworks Meaning in English
expression
Definición
To start crying suddenly, usually in a dramatic or noticeable way, sometimes to get sympathy or attention.
Uso & Matices
Informal, often implies exaggeration or pretending to cry for effect, not just natural crying. Commonly used when someone seems to cry intentionally to get their way or show strong emotion suddenly. Not always negative, but can suggest manipulation.
Oraciones de Ejemplo
When the child didn’t get her toy, she turned on the waterworks.
basic
He turned on the waterworks after his team lost the game.
basic
Don’t turn on the waterworks just because you have to do your homework.
basic
Every time he gets in trouble, he knows how to turn on the waterworks and get out of it.
natural
Wow, she really knows when to turn on the waterworks to get what she wants.
natural
As soon as her parents said no, she turned on the waterworks and begged them to change their minds.
natural