To high heaven Meaning in English
expression
Definition
Used to emphasize that something is done or experienced to a very great degree, often so much that it is almost overwhelming or extreme.
Usage & Nuances
This is a literary or dramatic expression, usually for emphasis—often found after verbs like 'smell', 'praise', 'complain', or 'stink'. More common in written or elevated speech, it intensifies the idea to an extreme (e.g., 'stinks to high heaven'). Rarely used in very casual English.
Example Sentences
The garbage stinks to high heaven.
basic
She complained to high heaven about the noise.
basic
The flowers smell to high heaven in spring.
basic
He praised her cooking to high heaven at the party.
natural
Those socks reek to high heaven after your workout.
natural
She complained about the slow Wi-Fi to high heaven, but nothing changed.
natural