The phrase "turned on waterworks" means to cry or shed tears excessively. The pronunciation of this phrase in IPA phonetic transcription is /tɜːnd ɒn ˈwɔːtəwɜːks/. The spelling "turned on" refers to the act of switching something on, while "waterworks" refers to an industrial system for supplying water. The phrase "turned on waterworks" is a figurative expression, with "waterworks" metaphorically referring to the tears that flow like water from the eyes of someone who is crying.
The phrase "turned on waterworks" refers to an idiom that describes the act of intentionally or suddenly crying or becoming emotional, often for manipulative or attention-seeking purposes. The term "waterworks" metaphorically represents the tears or crying that seems to flow effortlessly from the eyes, similar to how water flows from a faucet. This expression is typically used in informal conversation to describe someone who quickly and dramatically bursts into tears, often while feigning distress or trying to evoke sympathy from others.
When someone "turns on waterworks," they are deliberately invoking strong emotions to influence the situation or the people around them, rather than displaying genuine and authentic feelings. It usually implies a sense of insincerity or exaggeration with the intention of gaining attention, favoritism, or a desired outcome. This idiom is commonly employed to highlight someone's ability to swiftly and effectively manipulate the emotions of others through the power of tears.
The phrase "turned on waterworks" may also be used metaphorically to describe situations or events that induce strong emotional responses, such as a particularly heart-wrenching movie scene or a heartfelt reunion. In these contexts, however, the emphasis is more on the intensity of emotions experienced rather than the manipulative aspect associated with the idiom's primary usage.