# reduce someone to tears

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/reduce-someone-to-tears
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cause to cry.

## Examples

- His mean words reduced her to tears.
- The harsh criticism from the director reduced the young actor to tears during the rehearsal.
- The sudden news of the loss was so overwhelming that it reduced the entire family to tears as they gathered in the living room.

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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.