waterworks
n. plural-only C2 Proficiency US //ˈwɔtɝˌwɝks// UK //wˈɔːtəwˌɜːks// wa·ter·works
n. a funny way to say that someone is crying. It is a light-hearted or slightly rude way to describe someone getting emotional.
n. a humorous or informal reference to the act of crying. Often used in a lighthearted or teasing manner to describe an emotional response.
The sad movie really got the waterworks going.
He tried to stay tough during the ceremony, but the waterworks started when the old song played.
While the rest of the team remained stoic, the waterworks began as soon as the manager mentioned the long-term project's success.
From water + works (“machine, mechanism; factory or factories”).
From waterwork + -s.