How to Pronounce "have been to hell and back"
expression
HAV BIN tuh HEL and BAK
HAV BEEN tu HEL and BAK
Definition
This expression means someone has gone through extremely difficult or painful experiences and survived. It often suggests great hardship or suffering, but also resilience.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈhæv/ /ˈbɪn/, /bən/, /bɪn/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈhɛɫ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈbæk
British English
hæv/ /bˈiːn/ /tˈuː/ /hˈɛl/ /ˈænd/ /bˈæk
Simplified Pronunciation
US
HAV BIN tuh HEL and BAK
UK
HAV BEEN tu HEL and BAK
Listen in Context
She has been to hell and back after her illness.
People who lose everything and rebuild have been to hell and back.
Veterans often have been to hell and back during war.
Trust me, I've been to hell and back with this project.