to hell and back
Greatly, intensely.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She has been to hell and back this year.”
“After the long legal battle, he felt like he had been to hell and back.”
“Having endured the grueling expedition through the mountains, the survivors felt as though they had been to hell and back.”
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all hell breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 02
all over hell's half acre
All over the place; everywhere.
- 03
all the way to Egery and back
The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.
- 04
back down
To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.
- 05
back forty
The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.
- 06
back gammon player
A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.
- 07
back in the game
Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.
- 08
back into
To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.
Last updated August 10, 2026