ENGLISH
REFERENCE

to hell and back

idiom
Meaning

Greatly, intensely.


Examples
SIMPLE

She has been to hell and back this year.

CONTEXTUAL

After the long legal battle, he felt like he had been to hell and back.

COMPLEX

Having endured the grueling expedition through the mountains, the survivors felt as though they had been to hell and back.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all hell breaks loose

    The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

  2. 02

    all over hell's half acre

    All over the place; everywhere.

  3. 03

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  4. 04

    back down

    To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

  5. 05

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  6. 06

    back gammon player

    A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.

  7. 07

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  8. 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 April 17, 2026