grief

come to grief

Fig. to experience something unpleasant or damaging. In the end, he came to grief because he did not follow instructions.

See also: come

Good grief!

Inf. an exclamation of surprise, shock, or amazement. Alice: Good grief! I'm late! Mary: That clock's fast. You're probably okay on time. Bill: There are seven newborn kittens under the sofa! Jane: Good grief!

See also: good

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come to grief

to suddenly fail in what you are doing, often because you have an accident The Italian champion was in second position when he came to grief on the third lap.

See also: come

give somebody grief  (informal)

to criticize someone angrily Don't give me any grief - I've done all I can! (informal)

See also: give

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come to grief (slightly formal)

to end badly His career as a lawyer came to grief after he became involved with gamblers.

See also: come

good grief (spoken)

I am very surprised "I have four computers at home" "Good grief. What do you do with them all?"

Usage notes: often used humorously, when someone pretends that a situation is more serious than it really is: Good grief, look at all this food! Are you feeding an army?

See also: good