On a tear

Meaning

The idiom "on a tear" means to be extremely upset, angry, or sad. It is often used to describe someone who is crying uncontrollably. The literal meaning of the idiom is that the person's eyes are streaming with tears, but the figurative meaning is that they are deeply affected by an emotion.

Usage

• She was on a tear after her car broke down and she had to spend hours waiting for a tow truck.
• He was on a tear when he found out his favorite basketball player had retired from the game.
• She was on a tear after losing her job and feeling like her dreams were slipping away.
• They were on a tear at the funeral, with many people crying and offering condolences.
• He was on a tear during the movie, with tears streaming down his face throughout the film. The usage of the idiom "on a tear" can vary depending on the context. It is often used to describe someone who is deeply affected by an emotion, whether it be sadness, anger, or joy. It can also be used to describe someone who is crying uncontrollably, which may be due to any number of reasons.

Roots and History

The idiom "on a tear" has been in use since at least the 19th century. The earliest known usage was by Samuel Johnson in his dictionary in 1755, where he defined it as "to weep copiously." Over time, the idiom's meaning has remained relatively consistent, but it has become more commonly used to describe someone who is extremely upset or sad. There do not appear to be any regional variations of this idiom.

Synonyms in English

• In tears
• Crying uncontrollably
• Heartbroken
• Devastated
• Distraught

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: Llorar
• French: Pleurer
• German: Weinen
• Italian: Piangere
• Japanese: 泣く (Nennuku)

Similar Idioms

• mad at

• choke up

• over and over again