# all hell breaks loose

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/all-hell-breaks-loose
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

## Examples

- All hell breaks loose when the school bell rings.
- The team was working quietly until the manager announced the layoffs, and then all hell broke loose in the office.
- As soon as the controversial decision was announced to the restless crowd, all hell broke loose, and the peaceful protest quickly turned into a chaotic scene.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.