How to Pronounce "turn on the waterworks"
expression
TURN-on-thuh-WAW-ter-wurks
TURN-on-thuh-WAW-tuh-wurks
Definition
To start crying suddenly, usually in a dramatic or noticeable way, sometimes to get sympathy or attention.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈtɝn/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈwɔtɝˌwɝks
British English
tˈɜːn/ /ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /wˈɔːtəwˌɜːks
Simplified Pronunciation
US
TURN-on-thuh-WAW-ter-wurks
UK
TURN-on-thuh-WAW-tuh-wurks
Listen in Context
When the child didn’t get her toy, she turned on the waterworks.
He turned on the waterworks after his team lost the game.
Don’t turn on the waterworks just because you have to do your homework.
Every time he gets in trouble, he knows how to turn on the waterworks and get out of it.