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REFERENCE

reduce someone to tears

idiom
Meaning

To cause to cry.


Examples
SIMPLE

His mean words reduced her to tears.

CONTEXTUAL

The harsh criticism from the director reduced the young actor to tears during the rehearsal.

COMPLEX

The sudden news of the loss was so overwhelming that it reduced the entire family to tears as they gathered in the living room.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  2. 02

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  3. 03

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  4. 04

    blood, sweat and tears

    A person's determination and hard work.

  5. 05

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  6. 06

    burst into tears

    To suddenly start crying or sobbing.

  7. 07

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  8. 08

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

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