Break down in tears - 英语词汇详解

Meaning 1：cry uncontrollably (Break down in tears)

Break down in tears 🔊

/breɪk daʊn ɪn tɪrz/

phr.

to suddenly start crying uncontrollably because of strong emotion.

cry uncontrollably 🔊

➕

/kraɪ ˌʌnkənˈtroʊləbli/

phr.

To suddenly start crying in an uncontrolled manner due to overwhelming emotion such as sadness, joy, or relief.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Composed of 'break down' (collapse emotionally) and 'in tears' (crying).

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a person's emotional wall crumbling like a dam, releasing a flood of tears.

📖 Example

After watching the heartwarming reunion in the movie, she broke down in tears of joy. 🔊 After watching the heartwarming reunion in the movie, she broke down in tears of joy.

🔗 Collocations

break down in tears of joy – to cry uncontrollably due to extreme happiness

break down in tears of laughter – to laugh so hard that tears come and one cannot stop

completely break down in tears – to cry without being able to control oneself at all

🔄 Synonyms

burst into tears (phr.) – to suddenly start crying

cry one's eyes out (phr.) – to cry intensely and for a long time

sob uncontrollably (v. phr.) – to cry with convulsive gasps, unable to stop

🚫 Antonyms

hold back tears (phr.) – to prevent oneself from crying

compose oneself (v.) – to calm down and regain emotional control

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from the metaphor of emotional barriers breaking like a dam. Used to describe sudden, uncontrollable crying due to strong emotions.