English Idiom – Not a dry eye in the house.
This expression is used to say that everyone (in a place) was emotional about something. Everyone in attendance (at some event or during a situation that occurred) was crying.
The term not a dry eye in the house is often used literally, but with exaggeration. It is possible that some people may have been crying in this situation, but usually not everyone.
More idioms featuring eyes:
Related Vocabulary:
Usage:
When could you use this idiom?
- You are describing an emotional scene in a movie or play.
- A colleague is making a shocking resignation speech that has upset the workforce.
- Somebody has made an announcement about a tragic or emotional event.
- A group of people have said goodbye to a friend who has recently passed away.
Example:
- “His final speech was very emotional and heartfelt. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after he had finished.”
In the News
Spotted in the newsNot a dry eye in the house as patient leaves Northampton General Hospital after 71 days in critical carenorthamptonchron.co.ukWhat is an idiom?
An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone present was so moved that they were crying (or close to it).
Usually it’s an exaggeration – it means lots of people were emotional, not necessarily every single person.
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