turn on the waterworks
turn on the waterworks
To start crying profusely, whether genuinely or in order to get attention. My little sister turns on the waterworks the moment she doesn't get what she wants. I could tell the kid was about to turn on the waterworks, so I bought him an ice cream.
turn on the waterworks
Fig. to begin to cry. Every time Billy got homesick, he turned on the waterworks. Sally hurt her knee and turned on the waterworks for about twenty minutes.
turn on the waterworks
Start to weep, as in Whenever Dad refuses a request of hers she turns on the waterworks. This term implies that one begins to weep deliberately, as though switching on a system of pipes connected to reservoirs.
turn on the ˈwaterworks
(informal, disapproving) start crying, especially in order to get sympathy or attention: You can turn off the waterworks for a start, as that won’t make me change my mind.turn on the waterworks
in. to begin to cry. His lower lip was quivering, and I knew he was going to turn on the waterworks.