# tears before bedtime

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/tears-before-bedtime
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Harm or damage that is incurred before a matter is concluded.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.