# burst into tears

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/burst-into-tears
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To suddenly start crying or sobbing.

## Examples

- She burst into tears when she heard the sad news.
- After failing the final exam, the student burst into tears in the middle of the library.
- Overwhelmed by the sudden outpouring of support from her friends, she burst into tears, unable to find the words to express her deep gratitude.

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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.