# hell from above

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hell-from-above
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A powerful bombardment of projectiles from above, especially in the context of war.

## Examples

- The soldiers faced hell from above during the air raid.
- As the enemy planes appeared, the troops scrambled for cover to escape the hell from above.
- The infantry remained pinned in the trenches, enduring a relentless hell from above as the heavy artillery fire rained down upon their position.

## Origin

From hell + from + above. The term is possibly inspired by a bombardment of arrows, or similar forms of archery and artillery, though the specific historical moment of its coinage remains unverified. (disputed)

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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.