tears before bedtime
Harm or damage that is incurred before a matter is concluded.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“If you keep playing so roughly, it will be tears before bedtime.”
“The children were running near the pool, and I warned them that it would be tears before bedtime.”
“Ignoring the clear warning signs of the storm, the hikers continued their ascent, seemingly unaware that their reckless haste would lead to tears before bedtime.”
- 01
blood, sweat and tears
A person's determination and hard work.
- 02
burst into tears
To suddenly start crying or sobbing.
- 03
end in tears
To end badly.
- 04
move someone to tears
to cause to cry
- 05
reduce someone to tears
To cause to cry.
- 06
two tears in a bucket
Used to express an acceptance of misfortune.
- 07
vale of tears
The world, a place where difficulties and the sorrows of life are felt, especially (Christianity) as a place to be left behind when one dies and goes to heaven.
Last updated August 10, 2026