turn on the waterworks
Weep for effect
To turn on the waterworks is to start crying, usually with the implication that the tears are deliberate or exaggerated for effect: She turned on the waterworks the moment he said no.
The phrase suggests manipulation—tears deployed as a tactic rather than genuine emotion.
Occasionally used neutrally for any sudden crying, but the theatrical connotation dominates.
Feigned emotional display
- crocodile tearsInsincere show of sadness
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- feignedFalsely displayed or simulated
- insincereFeigning belief or feeling
dramatic · guilt trip · sympathy · pity · attention-seeking · performance · act · pretend
Violent pulls apart
- weepingShedding tears audibly
- sobbingConvulsive crying aloud
- wailingProlonged mournful crying
- bawlingCrying noisily and hard
blubbering · sniveling · whimpering · teary-eyed · waterworks · lachrymose · grief · sadness
fake crying
Feigned emotional display
- crocodile tearsInsincere show of sadness
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- feignedFalsely displayed or simulated
insincere · dramatic · guilt trip · sympathy · pity · attention-seeking · performance · act · pretend · exaggerate
tears
Violent pulls apart
bawling · blubbering · sniveling · whimpering · teary-eyed · waterworks · lachrymose · grief · sadness · distress
turn on the waterworkskeep a stiff upper lip
Remain composed under pressure
bite one's lip · keep it together · put on a brave face · grin and bear it · soldier on
turn on the waterworksspeak plainly
turns, turned, turning, turner, waterwork, water, waters, watered, watering