like hell
1. An intensifier used when one puts forth great effort to do something. I'm planning to fight like hell against this illness, so I'm researching both Western and Eastern methods of treatment.
2. A phrase used to convey one's impassioned denial, refusal, or rejection of something. A: "I don't care what you say, Mom—I'm going to that party!" B: "Like hell you are!"
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
like hell
1. Recklessly, extremely, as in We ran like hell to catch the train. [Mid-1800s]
2. Not at all, on the contrary, as in You think I'll call her stupid? Like hell I will! or Like hell I can't say that to Bob. [Late 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
like ˈhell
1 (informal) very hard, very much, very fast, etc. in an effort to do something: I had to run like hell to catch the bus.
2 (spoken) used to give emphasis when saying no to a suggestion, idea, etc: ‘He thinks you’re going to lend him your car this weekend.’ ‘Like hell I am.’(Some people find this use offensive.)Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
Like hell!
exclam. That is not true!; I do not believe you! (Use caution with hell.) You’re going to a Dead concert! Like hell!
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
like hell
Informal 1. Used as an intensive: He ran like hell to catch the bus.
2. Used to express strong contradiction or refusal: He says he's going along with us—Like hell he is!
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.