Reduce to tears Meaning in English
expression
ɹəˈdus/, /ɹiˈdus/, /ɹɪˈdus/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈtɛɹz/, /ˈtɪɹz
rih-DOOS tuh TEERZ
ɹɪdjˈuːs/ /tˈuː/ /tiːɹz
rih-DYOOS too TEERZ
Definition
To make someone cry, usually because of strong emotions such as sadness, frustration, or sometimes laughter.
Usage & Nuances
Somewhat formal or literary; often used when someone is emotionally overwhelmed, not just upset. Can refer to sadness, anger, or even making someone cry from laughter. Commonly used in passive voice: 'She was reduced to tears.'
Spanish: hacer llorarPortuguese (BR): fazer chorarPortuguese (PT): fazer chorarChinese (Simplified): 使哭泣Chinese (Traditional): 使哭泣Hindi: रोने पर मजबूर कर देनाArabic: جعل شخصاً يبكيBengali: কাঁদিয়ে ফেলা - কান্নায় ভেঙে পড়াRussian: довести до слёзJapanese: 涙を流させる - 涙ぐませるVietnamese: làm cho ai đó bật khócKorean: 눈물을 흘리게 하다Turkish: ağlatmakUrdu: آنسو بہا دیناIndonesian: membuat (seseorang) menangis
Example Sentences
The harsh words reduced her to tears.
basic
The sad movie reduced me to tears.
basic
He was reduced to tears by the news.
basic
She was so frustrated that she was reduced to tears at work.
natural
The comedian’s joke reduced the audience to tears—from laughing!
natural
His unfair criticism finally reduced me to tears in front of everyone.
natural