like hell
1
used to emphasize the intensity or speed of something
The origin of the idiom "like hell" can be traced to the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated as a slang expression in the United States. The word "hell" in this context is used as an intensifier to emphasize the extremity or intensity of an action or situation. It is often used to emphasize the intensity, speed, or fervor of something, usually in a negative or critical context.
- If you get spotted, just run like hell.
- I ran like hell to catch the bus, but it had already left.
- She fought like hell to defend her position during the argument.
- He worked like hell to meet the tight deadline.
- They partied like hell last night; the noise was unbearable.
2
used to mean the exact opposite of what someone just said with added irony
- Helping you?Like hell I will!
- Smartest guy in the class?Like hell he is!
- He thinks he can win the race, but competing against those champions?Like hell.
- The boss promised a raise, but with the way profits are falling, that's happening like hell.
- He insisted he wasn't involved in the argument, but his aggressive tone said otherwise, like hell.
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